Last Updated:
November 5th, 2024
Despite cocaine being illegal, it still remains one of the most used and overused illicit drugs globally. Its use carries severe risks, including the potential for overdose and long-term addiction.
We will explore how cocaine affects the brain and body.
What is cocaine?
Cocaine is a very powerful central nervous system stimulant. Following consumption, it increases dopamine levels by preventing its reabsorption in the brain. This ultimately leads to an accumulation of dopamine, creating:
- Intense feelings of euphoria
- Increased energy
- Heightened alertness
That being said, these effects are short-lived and typically last from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the method of administration.
Cocaine is commonly found in two forms: powdered cocaine and crack cocaine. Powdered cocaine, often snorted or injected, is a fine white crystalline substance. Crack cocaine, a more potent form, is produced by converting powdered cocaine into solid “rocks” using a process involving baking soda or ammonia. Crack is typically smoked, delivering an almost immediate and intense high. Due to its method of use and higher potency, crack cocaine is associated with a greater risk of addiction and overdose compared to powdered cocaine.
Dosage and purity of cocaine
The safety of cocaine use is heavily influenced by dosage, with even small amounts potentially leading to dangerous outcomes. Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant, and its effects differ greatly depending on the dose that has been consumed. For some, especially those with underlying health conditions or lower body weight, even a minimal dose can lead to severe side effects; these include:
- Heart palpitations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
High-purity cocaine significantly increases the likelihood of overdose. Street cocaine is often mixed, or “cut,” with various substances to increase the volume, but when a batch with higher purity is consumed, users accustomed to lower-potency cocaine may inadvertently ingest a lethal dose. High-purity cocaine rapidly overwhelms the body’s ability to cope with its effects, leading to acute symptoms such as seizures, hyperthermia, and cardiovascular collapse.
Cocaine use is inherently risky, and no amount can be considered safe. The drug’s powerful effects on the brain’s reward system mean that even infrequent use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Risk factors
The most serious risk factors are age, body weight, and underlying medical and mental health conditions. For example, if you are at a lower body weight when consuming the drug, you are more likely to experience more intense effects from the same dose of cocaine as someone who has a higher body mass. Age is also significant; older people or those with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular disease are at greater risk of serious complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. If you have anxiety, depression or similar psychological conditions, you might find that cocaine makes your symptoms much worse both during and immediately after use.
The environment in which cocaine is used can significantly impact its safety. Using cocaine alone increases the risk of unnoticed overdose, as there is no one around to seek help in an emergency. In contrast, using it in a social setting may lead to peer pressure and excessive consumption. Additionally, combining cocaine with other substances, particularly depressants like alcohol, can have a dangerous synergistic effect. Alcohol increases the absorption of cocaine, leading to heightened effects and an increased risk of overdose.
Street cocaine is rarely pure and is often cut with various substances to increase profit margins. Common adulterants include inert substances like baking soda or more dangerous compounds like levamisole, a deworming agent.
Signs of dangerous use
Cocaine abuse is visible in other people through various physical and behavioural signs. Common physical symptoms include:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Significant weight loss due to appetite suppression
- Insomnia
- Changes in social behaviour (withdrawal, secrecy, aggression, paranoia)
A cocaine overdose is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Symptoms include severe agitation, extreme body temperature (hyperthermia), intense chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and seizures. If these signs are observed, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as prompt intervention can be life-saving.
Why is an overdose of cocaine so common?
Overdosing on cocaine is relatively easy because of its potent effects on the body, unpredictable potency, and the way it interacts with the brain and cardiovascular system. Several factors contribute to this high risk:
Cocaine has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between a dose that produces the desired effects and a dose that causes toxic effects is small. Even slightly increasing the dose can push a person into overdose territory.
Cocaine purchased on the street is often mixed with other substances (cutting agents) to increase volume. These agents can vary widely, making it difficult for users to gauge the actual potency of the drug they’re consuming.
Cocaine users also often engage in binge patterns, where they consume large amounts over a short period to maintain the high. This behaviour increases the risk of overdose because the cumulative dose can quickly reach toxic levels.
Equally, cocaine is often used in combination with other substances, like alcohol or opioids, which can dramatically increase the risk of overdose. Alcohol, for example, when combined with cocaine, forms a toxic compound called cocaethylene, which is more harmful than cocaine alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine use, please reach out to UKAT for help today.