Crack Overdose: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Crack cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant derived from powdered cocaine.1 What is Crack Cocaine Similar to powdered cocaine, it constricts blood vessels, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and poses risks of cardiac arrest and seizures.1, 2 Highlights Tolerance to cocaine reward, where a person needs to take increasing amounts of the drug to feel its effects, as well as sensitization to cocaine, when a smaller amount produces a greater effect than previously experienced with larger amounts, can increase the risk of a potentially life-threatening overdose.2 Cocaine overdose is considered a medical emergency; if you or a loved one is experiencing an overdose, call 911 emergency medical services immediately. 3
Understanding how a crack cocaine overdose occurs, how to treat it, and how to find treatment for cocaine addiction can be important first steps on a journey to recovery.
Symptoms of a Crack Cocaine Overdose
Crack overdoses take place when someone experiences stimulant effects that are so severe that they may result in life-threatening health problems. 3 How much of a stimulant it takes to overdose is highly variable due to individual differences in sensitivity. Signs and symptoms of a crack cocaine overdose include:3
- Enlarged pupils.
- Dizzyness.
- Tremor.
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Rapid changes in mood.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Rapid breathing.
- Increased heart rate that may also be irregular.
- High bloop pressure
- Chest pain or tightness.
- Increased body temperature (e.g, excessive sweating and feeling overheated).
- Panic or extreme anxiety.
- Hallucinations.
- Psychosis.
If you notice any of these overdose symptoms in someone who has taken crack cocaine or another stimulant, seek emergency medical care immediately. Intervention can reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
Can You Die from a Crack Overdose?
Yes, it is possible to die from an overdose on crack cocaine. An overdose is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. 3
Potential complications of a crack overdose include: 3
- Heart attack or stroke.
- Respiratory failure.
- Seizure.
- Organ failure.
- Coma.
Prompt medical attention is crucial to reducing these risks and potentially saving lives.
Risk Factors for Crack Cocaine Overdose
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of a crack overdose. Common risk factors include: 2
- Frequent or regular use:. Regular use of crack cocaine can lead to tolerance, where a person consumes increasingly higher amounts of cocaine to feel its rewarding effects, potentially leading to higher doses that can lead to overdose. Regular crack cocaine users may also experience cocaine sensitization where less cocaine is needed to produce toxic effects.
- Combining crack cocaine and alcohol: Mixing crack cocaine and alcohol can be a potentially dangerous combination. When mixed, these substances can produce cocaethylene, which may increase the toxic effects of the substances, particularly on the heart.
- Co-use of crack cocaine with an opioid: Mixing crack cocaine and opioids is becoming an increasingly common practices. Some may co-use these substances to combine the stimulating effect of cocaine with the sedating effect of opioids. Others may unintentionally take crack cocaine that has been contaminated with opioids. Either way, this combination is dangerous, and can result in an overdose.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like heart disease, respiratory issues, or seizure disorders can heighten the sensitivity of crack, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Contamination: Illicit drugs are often laced with harmful fillers, like fentanyl and other substances, making them even more dangerous.
What to Do if Someone Is Overdosing on Crack Cocaine
If you suspect someone is overdosing on crack cocaine or any other substance, act immediately. A drug overdose is a medical emergency requiring urgent attention regardless of the drug that was taken. 3
Steps to take: 3
- Call 911: Provide as much information as possible, including any known drug use, and follow the operator’s instructions.
- Stay with the person: Ensure their safety. If they are unconscious, position them on their side to prevent choking. If they are hot and feverish, try to keep them cool with a wet washcloth if possible.
- Administer naloxone if opioids are suspected: If fentanyl or another opioid may be involved, naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects. It is available over the counter in many areas and can save lives.
Knowing how to stop a crack overdose can be the difference between life and death. Having naloxone on hand and understanding how to use it is crucial for anyone at risk of opioid-related overdoses. Many communities offer training programs and distribution initiatives to help people prepare for these types of emergencies.
The Good Samaritan Law offers legal protection to people who call 911 to report a drug overdose, encouraging them to seek emergency assistance without fear of arrest or prosecution from non-felony charges for drug or paraphernalia possession discovered by first responders while answering the overdose call. 5 Many states have enacted 911 Good Samaritan Laws to help communities prevent overdose deaths. These laws vary from state to state but generally offer some immunity to the person experiencing a suspected overdose and to the person calling for help. 5
*Please note that the protections often have limits; they may not cover more serious offenses like drug trafficking or outstanding warrants. The primary goal of these laws is to prioritize saving lives by reducing hesitation to seek medical assistance in overdose situations. When in doubt, call 911.
Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction
Evidence-based treatments for crack cocaine use can be effective in helping a person control their cocaine use.
While there are no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cocaine use disorder, various behavioral therapies like contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy can provide people with a way to manage cocaine use disorder. 2
Addiction treatment may include: 6
- Detoxification: Medically supervised detox allows people to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize before further treatment safely.
- Inpatient treatment: Residential programs provide a structured environment where people can focus entirely on recovery.
- Outpatient treatment: Flexible options enable participants to receive therapy and support while continuing daily activities. There are three main types of outpatient treatment: standard, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.
- Recovery Support and Aftercare: Ongoing support is essential for maintaining long-term recovery. This can include participation in peer support groups like Cocaine Anonymous, access to recovery coaches, and engagement in sober living environments. Recovery support emphasizes building a robust and substance-free community and developing strategies to handle triggers and stressors.
Start Your Recovery
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with crack cocaine addiction, know that there is help available. It may feel overwhelming where to begin, but there are many resources to help support you throughout the treatment and recovery process.
The Recovery.org treatment directory provides a comprehensive tool for locating facilities nationwide, offering diverse care options tailored to specific needs.