person worries about a loved one's cocaine overdose

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

The drug overdose epidemic, including cocaine, continues to worsen in the United States. For the loved ones of anyone struggling with cocaine addiction, it can be difficult to watch addiction take hold as their physical and mental health begins to suffer.

The need for cocaine often begins to negatively impact important commitments such as work, school, or family. Cocaine addiction is life-threatening, and long-term use can result in significant health problems and permanent physical damage to the body. For many friends and family members trying to support a loved one, death by a cocaine overdose is the worst fear.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine—a powerful substance that leads to feelings of euphoria—is an illegal, highly addictive, and powerful stimulant drug that can be snorted, smoked, or dissolved and injected into a vein. It is a powder substance processed from the leaves of the South American coca plant, which has been used for centuries to increase energy.

It’s one of the most popular party drugs for a reason: the drug makes users feel alert, social, energetic, and hypersensitive to stimuli. But because its effects are so short-lived, the risk of overdose on cocaine is very high as users repeatedly seek its high. 

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

Yes. In fact, according to the CDC, cocaine was involved in nearly 23% of overdose deaths in 2021. Additionally, over 5 million Americans reported current cocaine use in 2020 (almost 2% of the population). Although cocaine-involved overdose death rates in the United States decreased from 2004 to 2012, they began increasing again in 2012. And, from 2020 to 2021, cocaine overdose death rates increased by a whopping 22%—with more than 24,000 Americans dying in 2021 from an overdose involving cocaine.

Cocaine is a risky and unpredictable substance for many reasons. Its effects can vary between users, meaning overdoses don’t always correlate with the amount of cocaine a person ingests. For example, someone might snort a few hundred milligrams of the substance and overdose, while another can ingest several grams without overdosing. 

Like all street drugs, cocaine potency can vary widely—a huge factor in its dangerous, volatile, and unpredictable nature. It’s impossible to know exactly how much cocaine is in a batch, and the drug can easily be laced or cut with other drugs, like fentanyl or heroin, leading to an even higher risk of an overdose. 

What is a Cocaine Overdose?

Similar to any drug overdose, a cocaine overdose occurs when an individual ingests too much, too fast. Essentially, too much cocaine, or cocaine mixed with another substance, poisons the user from the inside out. Their body can’t handle the influx of the drug, and extreme reactions occur when cocaine reaches toxic levels within the body. 

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

As a stimulant drug, cocaine increases the central nervous system functions and ramps the body into high gear. Shortly after taking cocaine, someone will experience an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. There is an increased risk of heart attacks as well as serious neurological risks, including intense headaches, comas, and seizures. Cocaine can also affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

In the case of a drug overdose, side effects can turn deadly—fast. The psychological and physical signs of a cocaine overdose can vary from one person to the next, but these symptoms are common:

  • Chest pain
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Changes in respiration
  • Paranoia and hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Seizures

Cocaine addicts often mix the drug with other mood or mind-altering substances to experience a more long-lasting and intense high. That raises the stakes even more—the body’s cardiovascular systems and organs are put at increased risk, especially if cocaine and alcohol are mixed. Because these substances affect the body in opposite ways (as a stimulant and a depressant), each heightens the impact of the other.

What Do I Do After a Cocaine Overdose?

If you suspect someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, stay calm. Call 911 immediately and do not leave the individual unattended. Seizures are common, so do not hold the person or restrain them. Instead, position them safely on the floor and remove any dangerous objects nearby that could injure their head or limbs. Apply a cold compress to the forehead, side, and back of the neck and wrists to help reduce body temperature.

If caught early, an overdose can be reversible without permanent effects from the incident. 

After an ambulance arrives, medical personnel will take the individual to the ER, where IV fluids and medications will be administered to help reverse the effects of the overdose. Depending on the severity of the situation, an individual may remain in the hospital for several days before a discharge. Attending a rehabilitation program in this situation is crucial.

Cocaine Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

Because cocaine is an addictive drug, with repeated use, it’s very common to develop a physiological dependence on it to feel like they can “function normally.” As a result, someone may experience withdrawal syndrome when attempting to stop using the drug.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on several factors but may include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Slowed movements and thoughts
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Appetite changes
  • Cocaine cravings
  • Paranoia

These uncomfortable symptoms typically last several days after stopping use, but in some cases, may continue for several weeks.

In general, stimulant withdrawal syndromes are relatively less severe than those associated with substances such as alcohol and opioids, but it’s still crucial to seek professional help to detox.

While stimulant withdrawal does not usually involve severe physical symptoms or present immediate medical dangers, some individuals may be at risk for developing debilitating dysphoria (i.e., depression and overwhelmingly negative thoughts and feelings), which can lead to dangerous suicidal thoughts. Because withdrawal experiences can vary, in some cases an individual will require closer medical attention and monitoring.

Finding Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Did you know that cocaine can permanently affect both the body and the brain? Long-term cocaine abuse can cause noticeable changes in brain chemistry and structure and even permanent brain damage in someone who uses large amounts of the drug. Cerebral bleeding can occur in heavy users, and addiction can lead to permanent memory loss and decision-making and motor function issues.

The sooner an individual with a cocaine addiction can seek professional help, the better chance they can prevent a potentially fatal overdose and minimize long-term harm to their physical and mental health. Every day and second counts, so don’t delay seeking addiction treatment.

Recover From a Cocaine Overdose Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction and seeking treatment options, Creekside Recovery Residences can assist in providing resources and options, including detox facility recommendations and/or interventionists with years of experience assisting families and individuals.

We know what you’re going through and you’re not alone. We are here to help you. Contact us today to get started on your recovery from cocaine addiction.

marchman act vs baker act

Marchman Act vs. Baker Act

As a friend or family member, when a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, you want to do everything you can to help him get better and turn his life around. But despite multiple conversations, interventions, ultimatums, and attempts to commit to positive change, an individual will often continue to refuse to seek treatment – even though everyone else can see the situation is dire and desperate.

That’s why, in some states, laws such as The Marchman Act and the Baker Act exist to involuntarily commit an individual to seek help. The Marchman Act and the Baker Act may be legal avenues for you to force your loved one into substance abuse or mental health treatment and get on the road to recovery. Let’s take a closer look at these statutes and how they work.

Marchman Act vs Baker Act

The Marchman Act and Baker Act have similar outcomes – placing an individual in court-mandated treatment – but different requirements and situational applications.

Florida’s Marchman Act, first enacted in 1993, allows for the examination and involuntary or emergency commitment of an individual for substance abuse. This step can be taken when an individual no longer has control over their addiction, becoming a danger to themselves and others. It can help lead to involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment for those who are deemed unable to make the decision for themselves. There is a burden of proof that falls on the person filing this act, and he/she must demonstrate that the individual

1) Has lost the power of self-control in regards to their substance abuse
2) Has refused to seek voluntary care. 

The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, also known as the Florida Baker Act, is similar to the Marchman Act, but focused on mental health concerns. This can be initiated by law enforcement, court judges, physicians, or mental health professionals, and there must be substantial evidence that the person in question has a mental disorder, intent to harm oneself or others, or be self-neglectful. During a crisis situation (i.e. threats of suicide or self-harm), a third party can submit an affidavit to get an individual “Baker-Acted” through the circuit court.

The Marchman Act and Baker Act can both be life-saving avenues for families who feel they are at the end of their rope and out of viable options. Oftentimes, individuals can feel so helpless in the throes of drug or alcohol addiction that they become suicidal. Every situation is case-by-case, but these acts can be effective at saving lives and helping someone in dire need of treatment to kickstart the recovery process.

Which States Have the Marchman and the Baker Act?

While the Marchman and Baker Act are specific to Florida, the majority of states – including the following – have laws for involuntary commitment on some level.

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

How Do I File a Marchman Act?

The Marchman Act is specific to Florida. The statute states: “Substance abuse is a major health problem with profoundly disturbing consequences such as serious impairment, chronic addiction, criminal behavior, vehicular casualties, spiraling health care costs, AIDS, and business losses. A disease which affects the whole family and the whole society requires specialized prevention, intervention, and treatment services that support and strengthen the family unit.”

In most counties, the required paperwork can be filed at the courthouse for that county. That paperwork, in addition to any sworn testimony, usually involves the county clerk’s office. There is usually a specific department for mental health, probate, or similar services.

The following parties can petition the court for a Marchman Act:

  • Spouse
  • Blood relative (mother, father, sibling, etc.)
  • Any three people who have direct knowledge of the individual’s substance abuse (The law permits this because, in certain cases, family members may not be involved in the individual in question’s life).

The process for filing is as follows:

  1. A sworn affidavit is signed at the local county courthouse or clerk’s office.
  2. A hearing is set before the court after a Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization is filed.
  3. Following the hearing, the individual is held for up to five days for medical stabilization and assessment.
  4. A Petition for Treatment must be filed with the court and a second hearing is held for the court to review the assessment.
  5. Based on the assessment and the recommendation that the individual needs extended help, the judge can then order a 60-day treatment period with a possible 90-day extension, if necessary.
  6. If the addict exits treatment in violation of the judge’s order, the addict must return to court and answer to the court as to why they did not comply with treatment. Then the individual is returned immediately for involuntary care.
  7. If the addict refuses, they are held in civil contempt of court for not following treatment order and are ordered to either return to treatment or be incarcerated.

More often than not, this process doesn’t play out fully. Sometimes, families seeking help for a loved one find that the simple threat or initial filing of the Marchman Act will push a reluctant addict to agree to seek treatment in order to avoid costly legal proceedings and/or personal inconveniences.

How Do I File a Baker Act?

The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 (The Baker Act) reads, “Mental illness means an impairment of the mental or emotional processes that exercise conscious control of one’s actions or of the ability to perceive or understand reality, which impairment substantially interferes with a person’s ability to meet the ordinary demands of living, regardless of etiology. For the purposes of this part, the term does not include a developmental disability as defined in Chapter 393, intoxication, or conditions manifested only by antisocial behavior or substance abuse impairment.”

The process to file a Baker Act is as follows:

  1. The individual is committed by means of a law enforcement officer, a physician, or a sworn affidavit from another individual.
  2. A law enforcement officer takes the person into custody and transports them to a receiving mental health facility.
  3. The individual is examined and placed on a psychiatric hold for no more than 72 hours.
  4. The patient is given a mental health evaluation and further treatment is recommended based on the results.

What Happens to Someone Who is Baker Acted?

The affected individual goes to a receiving center, which is a mental health facility or a hospital qualified and equipped to treat Baker Act patients.

Will a Marchman Act or Baker Act Affect My Loved One in the Future?

Friends and family who are forward thinking and considering these actions may be wondering, “Will this involuntary commitment affect my loved one in the future, once he’s in recovery and finally doing better?”

You might be concerned about an individual’s future prospects for employment, renting or buying a home, or something else entirely. But good news: this filing will never be included on an individual’s legal record. The intent of the Marchman and Baker Act is treatment, not punishment. Additionally, because mental health and addiction are medical conditions, the process is strictly confidential and proceedings take place in a closed courtroom, with all treatment and assessment records protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Get Help Today!

While it may seem extreme, involuntary commitment to psychiatric care has saved countless lives affected by addiction, drugs and alcohol, and continues to serve as a crucial nudge into recovery for those who need it.

If you or a loved one is struggling and seeking treatment options, Creekside Recovery Residences – with sober living housing options in both Atlanta, Marietta, St. Petersburg and Tampa – can assist in providing resources and options, including detox facility recommendations and/or interventionists with years of experience assisting families and individuals. We know what you’re going through and you’re not alone – we are here to help. 

Call us now at 470-460-6688 or fill out the contact form below.