A person can experience symptoms of an overdose by taking a large dose of cocaine. The person should immediately call 911. The response time is crucial for the survival of an overdose victim. After the overdose, the patient should remain calm and try to avoid touching any objects that may hurt him. A cold compress can help the body regulate its temperature. Afterwards, the victim should seek rehab or treatment.
Drug addiction increases risk of overdose
Cocaine and heroin have the same chemical makeup, but cocaine has a higher risk of overdose on cocain because cocaine can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, causing cardiac problems. Cocaine and heroin are also often taken together, creating a potent cocktail that can lead to a 50 to 100-fold increase in cardiac events and death. In addition to causing heart problems, cocaine and heroin can also lead to seizures and other health issues. For these reasons, it’s vital to know the signs of cocaine abuse and addiction, as well as the risks of overdose.
Regardless of whether a person is a first-time user or a regular user, cocaine overdoses are a real threat to health. Regular users can become reckless and overconfident and may overestimate their tolerance. In addition, regular users can increase their chances of an overdose by combining the drug with alcohol or other drugs. Studies indicate that the rate of drug overdoses has increased dramatically in the past few years. While cocaine overdoses are rare for first-time users, the number of deaths by cocaine and other synthetic opioids has risen dramatically.
Snorting cocaine through the nose causes body-wide symptoms
Snorting cocaine through the nose causes various symptoms across the body. For example, repeated cocaine use damages the cartilage and mucus lining of the nose. This leads to a hole in the septum, which will eventually cause problems breathing and chronic infections. Once the hole is big enough, it may result in a perforated septum. This will cause symptoms such as crusting of the nose, headaches, and unpleasant odors from the nose. Treatment will depend on the severity of the perforation.
In addition to the nose, cocaine causes internal damage as well. Over time, cocaine use damages the mucous membranes, causing them to deform. This causes sores to appear in the nasal cavity, and the damaged mucus membranes also affect the blood supply to the nose. The nose can also become perforated from cocaine use, which results in serious health problems and infections.
Heart problems
The cardiovascular system is affected negatively by cocaine use. It can narrow blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and damage heart cells. It can also cause heart attacks. In addition, cocaine stimulates alpha and beta receptors in the heart, which leads to increased force during contractions. This, in turn, increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Cocaine also increases the risk of clots.
Patients suffering from arrhythmias can be treated in hospital with medications. If the arrhythmias are severe, CPR or Advanced Cardiac Life Support may be necessary. A defibrillator is also used to shock the patient’s heart, which sends a small electrical charge through the chest wall. Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that can cause long-term complications.
Seizures
Overdose on cocaine can lead to seizures, which are firestorms of uncontrolled electrical activity in the central nervous system. Cocaine-related seizures are generally self-limited and do not result in status epilepticus, but they are still dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Seizures are extremely difficult on the body and brain, and they can also be more severe if there are other risk factors. For example, people who have a history of strokes or epilepsy are more likely to have seizures.
The first step in treating a cocaine overdose is to call 911 immediately. The faster medical help arrives, the better the chances of survival. In the meantime, try cooling the affected person with a wet washcloth. Also, avoid placing anything sharp or in their mouths, as this could cause the seizures to stop and recur.
Permanent brain damage
A cocaine overdose may cause permanent brain damage, but in some cases, it’s reversible. People with certain risk factors are more vulnerable to brain damage, such as cardiovascular disease or previous history of seizures. People with these conditions should avoid cocaine. For more information, consult a doctor.
Researchers found that cocaine addicts had reduced glucose metabolism in several areas of the brain, indicating that neurons are being damaged and dying. The loss of gray matter, a normal part of the brain, is linked to memory problems and cognitive changes, and could eventually lead to dementia. It’s therefore crucial that people who are addicted to cocaine get treatment as soon as possible before the damage is irreversible.
Even though people may think they have their cocaine use under control, cocaine use can quickly turn into an addiction that can consume their lives. Recognizing the risks can help users get back on track toward recovery. Researchers have shown that cocaine’s effects on the brain are just as harmful as the drug’s effects on the heart and blood circulation.
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