If you or someone you know is struggling to manage a cocaine addiction, you understand just how dangerous this addiction can be. Cocaine is one of the most common addictions in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most deadly. If someone you know has developed a cocaine addiction, it is important to seek help as quickly as possible. Sometimes, you may not realize that your loved one has developed a cocaine addiction until you find them passed out somewhere. Therefore, it is important to understand why people may overdose on cocaine, how it presents, and what you should do if someone you know has developed a cocaine addiction.
Why People Overdose on Cocaine
Drug addiction and substance abuse are among the most pressing issues facing the country today. The biggest reason why people end up overdosing on addictive substances, including cocaine, is a phenomenon known as tolerance. People love to take cocaine because of the high that it provides them. Unfortunately, they are going to develop a tolerance to this substance over time. As a result, they will need to take more of that substance to achieve the same results. This increases the chances of someone overdosing on cocaine. If someone overdoses on cocaine, the symptoms could end up being fatal.
The Presentation of a Cocaine Overdose
If you are concerned that someone may have developed a cocaine overdose, a few common symptoms may appear. Some of the most common symptoms of a cocaine overdose include:
- Individuals who have overdosed on cocaine are usually going to suffer from massive pain in the chest. They may tell you that someone is sitting on their chest even when someone is not.
- They may also be shaking, tremoring, or shivering.
- These shivers develop because cocaine overdoses can also cause someone to develop a fever, causing them to feel cold even when the room is warm.
- A cocaine overdose can also cause someone’s heart rate to spike.
- It may also lead to elevated blood pressure.
The biggest risk of a cocaine overdose is that it could cause the heart to beat erratically. Cardiac arrhythmias can be fatal in a matter of minutes. Therefore, if you know that someone struggles with drug addiction and substance abuse and is concerned that they may have overdosed on cocaine, it is important to get help as quickly as possible.
What To Do if You Are Concerned About a Cocaine Overdose
If you are concerned that someone you know has overdosed on cocaine, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath and remain calm. Then, make sure that you pick up a phone and call 911. You need to rely on trained medical professionals to manage a cocaine overdose. Otherwise, it could be fatal.
After your loved one has reached the hospital, you may be wondering what you should do next. The answer is that you need to get help for their substance abuse issues. Even though drug addiction can be a challenge to treat, there are ways that people can recover. That is where the team from Georgia Addiction Treatment Center can help you.
Discover the Support You Need at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
If someone you know is struggling to manage cocaine addiction, you need to depend on the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center professionals. At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, we have the training, resources, and experience necessary to help people manage substance abuse and drug addiction issues. We will be happy to help you as well. Contact our team today at 833.641.0661 to learn more about the programs we have regarding cocaine abuse and addiction.
At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, we understand that every person struggling with addiction is unique. That means that every person’s path to recovery must be unique as well. With more than 40 million Americans suffering at the hand of addiction, it is more important than ever that we address this crisis head-on. We specialize in helping patients who are battling substance use disorders. More specifically, treat the whole person by diagnosing the issues that lie beneath and feed their addiction. It is an approach that has made us one of the premier addiction treatment centers in the area. By learning more about Georgia Addiction Treatment Center and our unique approach, you can take the first steps on your road to recovery.