Many people associate cocaine with the 1970’s and 1980’s. But that perception is very wrong. Cocaine is still alive and well on city streets. Even worse, it is leading to a large number of deaths every year. Cocaine users may be more likely to contract diseases from using drugs intravenously, like HIV/AIDs. They may also be more likely than others to be victims of homicide. Studies show that cocaine addicts actually have a much higher death rate than other members of the general population.
Not very shockingly, a portion of cocaine users will most likely also overdose on their drug of choice at some point. Their overdose may or may not result in death. Despite that, it is still a very real (and terrifying) medical issues that could lead to death. It is also one that can be prevented. Here, we will give you some cocaine overdose statistics and facts. We will talk about what this synthesis of facts can teach us all about the nature of the current cocaine problem in the US. We will then also give you information about where to seek out help if you or someone you love is addicted to cocaine.
Cocaine and Cocaine Overdose Statistics and Facts
1. Cocaine was once legal in the United States. In the early 1900’s it was used in products varying from teething powders for infants to the original formula of Coca Cola.
2. Cocaine is still used legally (in some areas) as a topical anesthetic.
3. Some native tribes see the coca plant as a sacred plant. These native may chew coca leaves or make a tea from their leaves to feel euphoric and energized.
4. Around 700 tons of cocaine is seized by law enforcement each year.
5. Many estimate that over 149,000 hectares are used to farm the coca plant (where cocaine comes from) in various countries in Central and South America.
6. Cocaine production has led to untold loss of life in some areas of South America due to the gang violence that has surrounded the trade in recent years.
7. About 1,800 users (age 12 and older) try cocaine for the first time each day.
8. Around 3% of all 12th graders have used or tried cocaine in the last year.
9. Of these 12th graders, Hispanic students are more likely to have been introduced to the drug already, to have used it in the last year, and even in the last month.
10. Luckily, the number of younger users of cocaine has declined steadily since the 1990’s.
11. In 2012, it was estimated that around 37,688 thousand people in the US had used cocaine in their lifetimes.
12. Men accounted for around 23,000 thousand of these users, far higher than women.
13. Most users were above the age of 26.
14. The majority of users were also white non-Hispanic in this data set.
15. Around 448, 000 people were hospitalized in 2005 for incidents involving cocaine. This is more than for any other drug.
16. Overdose does not always lead to death, but it certainly can (and will if the user does not get help).
17. Although the number of first time users each day has declined in recent years, the number of cocaine overdose deaths has actually been steadily on the rise over the years.
18. Users are put in greater risk of death during overdose if other drugs or substances are also present in their bloodstream. This includes things like alcohol, prescription narcotics, or other illegal drugs.
19. Kilogram base materials are available in various South American countries for $850-$1,474.00. A kilogram of cocaine itself in the US was valued on the street at 11.5 to 50 thousand dollars.
20. Cocaine production has led to the decimation of rainforest lands, local economies, families, farmlands, and more in South and Central America.
21. The cocaine trade results in billions of dollars of profits each year.
What the Facts Mean
Clearly, all these statistics tell us that cocaine use, the cocaine trade, and the risk of cocaine overdose and death are all horrible. Those who are currently using cocaine need help. And those who are also reliant on cocaine to make a living need help, as well. Despite the war on drugs, it appears that the war against cocaine itself is being lost. However, you can help.
Firstly, be sure that you can recognize the symptoms of cocaine use. These may vary from user to user. However, you may notice that the user seems very excitable. They may even be more active than normal. Their pupils often appear dilated while under the influence of the drug. Others may also be very enthusiastic in how they speak. Typical symptoms of addiction may also become apparent after a while. This can include things like financial problems, withdrawal from friends, loss of interest in things that were once important to a person, and risk taking behavior to seek out more of the drug they are addicted to.
Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction
Next, you should educate yourself about the symptoms of cocaine addiction itself. Again, these may vary from person to person. Almost all patients react in both a physical and mental way, however. Nausea and vomiting is typical. All users have increased pulse, breathing that seems irregular, and a higher body temperature than normal. In some cases, the patient may experience seizures or tremors. Others report chest pain. Users will normally feel panic, delirious, and anxious, seem somewhat agitated and upset, and may also hallucinate. If you notice that anyone around you is experiencing these symptoms, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
What else can be done to prevent cocaine overdose? There are many things. Some say that cocaine users should be allowed to use drugs, but do so under medical supervision. Although this may seem farfetched, it has become reality in some places in Canada and other countries. In an attempt to prevent use of dirty needles, overdose, and transmission of diseases like HIV/AIDs, the government in some areas has set up places where users can come to shoot up without fear of legal repercussions. Medical staff are there during all operating hours to monitor users. Free needles are also distributed to anyone who needs them, and are provided for you while you use the drug in the center. Some may even offer needle exchange programs.
Some people advocate for more research on treatment for both addiction, as well as cocaine overdose. Still others argue that the government should do more to patrol for and stop cocaine imports. Because of the economics and environmental degradation that results because of the cocaine industry, another possible solution may be to stop cocaine at its source in South and Central America. Or perhaps the solution might lie in government funding for more drug rehabilitation facilities and clinics that are better prepared to deal with cocaine addicts.
Really, the direction that reformation takes is up to the general public who makes the decisions through the politicians that they elect, as well as their own personal actions. Most importantly, we must remember to always be supportive of those struggling with addiction as best we can. Although it may seem hard at times to do what we feel is best for them, we have to. With support, treatment, and understanding, addicts are much more likely to overcome their addictions.