One of the myths surrounding cocaine is that it is not a dangerous drug but is a very life-threatening lie that sellers disseminate to profit from youngsters. Cocaine is one of the top killers among stimulants, especially after its combination with opioids. If you are wondering how much cocaine does it take to overdose, the answer will surprise you: as little as some hundred grams and as many as many grams. The phenomenon of cocaine OD depends on various factors that are discussed below.
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Forms and Ways of Using Cocaine Illicitly
It is important to understand how cocaine, a psychostimulant, is misused. Unfortunately, cocaine comes in different forms. Essentially, there are two forms, i.e., powder and crystal, and other forms are produced through them. Here are some of the most commonly used forms of cocaine:
- White powder
- Crystals or rocks
- Freebase Cocaine (a crushed form of cocaine used for smoking)
While there are primarily two prevalent forms of cocaine, it is misused in several ways.
Intranasally/Snorting: Individuals commonly snort the white powder through the nose.
Intravenously: Cocaine can also be taken intravenously. After dissolving it in water, cocaine can be injected into the body, which is highly life-threatening.
Smoking: Sometimes, cocaine is smoked like a cigarette. Often, individuals will use it alongside tobacco and weed.
Freeballing: On the streets, freeballing refers to combining heroin and cocaine and injecting it into your body.
6 Factors Determining OD and Cocaine Poisoning
It is important to note that no particular amount can result in an overdose. According to controlled studies and the data available, researchers have found that both high and low doses are responsible for fatal consequences. This is due to several reasons:
1. Cocaine May be Stuffed with Harmful Substances
Cocaine, being an illicit drug, does not come in pure form. It is important to spread awareness that cocaine sold on the streets may be stuffed with other fatal substances, which may cause a person to overdose on cocaine even when taking a small amount.
Drugs, whether or not they are labeled as “soft drugs” among your friends, are ALWAYS harmful. It is better to take professional help than wonder how much cocaine to OD. Call us at 844.445.2565 to undergo cocaine detox in new jersey. You may fill out this form as well.
2. Strength of Cocaine
Not all cocaine has the same strength. Often, the drugs sold on the street may be more potent despite coming with low dosages. Which means:
- Overdose is not dictated by the quantity of drug
- Impure cocaine in low doses can result in an overdose
- You may get lucky the one time you take a high dose, but it is possible to overdose the next time you repeat it.
- Overdose is mostly an arbitrary function.
Be cautious about your health. Instead of finding loopholes, get appropriate treatment to save yourself from overdosing.
3. Tolerance Level of Your Body
While some people may require more cocaine to overdose, others can overdose on cocaine with a very small amount. Depending on the way that your body functions and the underlying conditions that you may have. In short:
- A person who develops a tolerance to cocaine will be more prone to overdosing.
- To experience more high, you can unknowingly shoot up more cocaine
Tolerance occurs when you take on more and more substances regularly. Studies have found that a huge part of fatal cocaine toxicity has shown high cocaine concentration in the blood. While it is not the defining factor, it is still important.
4. Ways of Administration
So far, it has been established that cocaine is different in every form. However, data suggest that intravenous cocaine administration is mostly the cause of cocaine poisoning. Intravenous cocaine administration can also result in multi-organ complications that need instant and intensive care.
5. Underlying Heart Conditions
If a person has an underlying cardiovascular condition, the body can feel overwhelmed at even a very low dose of cocaine. Cocaine can have the following effects on the heart of a person:
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart failure
- Seizures
For instance, a person with heart disease is more susceptible to other issues. Cocaine can worsen a pre-existing heart condition. Seizures and strokes are life-threatening, and symptoms of coke overdose may appear more quickly in such cases.
6. Longevity of Cocaine Use
If you have developed a cocaine use disorder due to long-term cocaine abuse, you are more likely to experience cocaine poisoning. Cocaine overdose and poisoning have similar symptoms and can result in death. Long-term cocaine use can cause many issues:
- Weakening of cardiovascular functions
- Instigate more seizures (which can result in death)
- Cause mental health issues such as paranoia and hallucinations
- Failure of lungs
- Weakening immune system
So, even if you take a small amount of cocaine, it is very natural for cocaine toxicity to claim a person’s life. Due to the uncertainty of how much cocaine does it take to overdose, it is important to prevent taking cocaine.
Can’t get off of cocaine? Call us at 844.445.2565 to contact our addiction specialists. You may opt for our outpatient detox in new jersey and undergo professional help from our certified doctors.
Final Verdict: How Much Cocaine Does It Take to Overdose?
In conclusion, there is no definite answer for how much cocaine it takes to overdose because several factors are involved. There is no safe side to drugs, so appropriate care is necessary. Call a rehab in New Jersey that will listen to your problems and try to figure out the best possible solution.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.