Can you overdose on coke
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Can You Overdose on Cocaine?
Cocaine Overdose Statistics
Cocaine overdose is a significant public health issue, with a marked increase in overdose deaths in recent years. In the United States, drug overdose deaths involving cocaine rose dramatically from 12,122 in 2015 to 17,258 in 2016, a 42.4% increase1. By 2017, cocaine was involved in 13,942 overdose deaths, accounting for 19.8% of all drug overdose deaths that year1. This trend continued, with cocaine-related overdose deaths increasing by 22% from 2020 to 20216.
Role of Opioids in Cocaine Overdose
A substantial portion of cocaine overdose deaths involves the co-use of opioids. In 2017, opioids were involved in 72.7% of cocaine-related overdose deaths1. The rise in cocaine-related overdose deaths has been significantly driven by the increasing presence of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl2 5. This co-involvement is particularly notable among middle-aged and older adults, who are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular conditions, further increasing their risk10.
Demographic Disparities in Cocaine Overdose
Cocaine overdose mortality rates vary significantly across different demographic groups. Non-Hispanic Black individuals have been disproportionately affected, with their age-adjusted cocaine-involved overdose mortality rate being more than double that of Non-Hispanic Whites5. Additionally, the increase in cocaine-involved overdose rates has been particularly pronounced among Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native populations9.
Patterns of Cocaine Use and Overdose
The method of cocaine administration plays a crucial role in the likelihood of overdose. Injecting cocaine is associated with a higher risk of overdose compared to snorting or smoking crack cocaine4 7. Among users, those who inject cocaine are more likely to experience non-fatal overdoses, with common symptoms including palpitations, intense sweating, and seizures4.
Prevention and Response Strategies
Addressing the rising trend of cocaine overdose deaths requires a multifaceted approach. Enhanced surveillance, evidence-based prevention strategies, and public health collaborations are critical. Efforts should focus on increasing awareness about the dangers of combining cocaine with other substances, particularly opioids, and ensuring equitable access to treatment and prevention services1 9.
Conclusion
Cocaine overdose is a growing concern, exacerbated by the co-use of opioids and affecting various demographic groups differently. Understanding the patterns of use and implementing targeted prevention strategies are essential steps in mitigating this public health crisis.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine and Psychostimulants with Abuse Potential — United States, 2003–2017
Drug overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants with abuse potential increased from 2003 to 2017, with opioids playing a significant role in both categories.
Highly CitedRecent Increases in Cocaine-Related Overdose Deaths and the Role of Opioids
Opioids, primarily heroin and synthetic opioids, have driven the recent increase in cocaine-related overdose deaths in the United States.
Observational StudyHighly CitedIncrease in Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine: United States, 2009-2018.
Cocaine overdose deaths in the United States have increased from 2009 to 2018, with rates varying by sex, age group, race, and Hispanic origin, and by opioid involvement.
Non-fatal cocaine overdose among injecting and non-injecting cocaine users in Sydney, Australia.
Non-fatal cocaine overdose is common among injecting and non-injecting users in Sydney, Australia, and combining cocaine with other drugs is a common risk.
Observational StudyHighly CitedCocaine use and overdose mortality in the United States: Evidence from two national data sources, 2002-2018.
Cocaine use has increased modestly, but overdose mortality has risen dramatically, disproportionately affecting Black, older, or lower-educated individuals.
Observational StudyCo-involvement of Opioids in Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine and Psychostimulants, 2011-2021.
Opioids co-involvement in drug overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants has increased from 2011 to 2021, with a notable increase in deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants in the Northeastern United States.
Cocaine use patterns and overdose.
Cocaine overdoses are more likely to result from snorting or intravenous use, with crack smoking being less associated with overdoses than snorting or intravenous use.
Observational StudyCo-involvement of Opioids in Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine and Psychostimulants.
Opioids are frequently involved in drug overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants, with trends from 2009 to 2019 and differences by census region.
Drug overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants with abuse potential among racial and ethnic groups - United States, 2004-2019.
Stimulant-involved overdose deaths continue to increase, with opioids playing a varied role by race and ethnicity.
Observational StudyUnintentional drug overdose deaths involving cocaine among middle-aged and older adults in New York City.
Cocaine-related overdose deaths in middle-aged and older New Yorkers are more likely to involve males and non-Latino Black individuals, with co-occurring opioid involvement.
Observational Study