Non-fatal cocaine overdose among injecting and non-injecting cocaine users in Sydney, Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the frequency of non-fatal cocaine overdose, and responses to overdoses, among injecting and non-injecting cocaine users.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
Two hundred current cocaine users.


METHODS
Structured interview.


RESULTS
Thirteen per cent of the sample had overdosed on cocaine, 7% in the preceding 12 months. Cocaine injectors were more likely to have overdosed, both ever (17 v 6%) and in the preceding 12 months (9 v 3%). The most common symptoms of overdose were palpitations (68%), intense sweating (44%) and seizures (40%). The use of other drugs in combination with cocaine prior to the most recent overdose was prevalent (64%), most commonly opioids (40%), alcohol (24%) and cannabis (24%). Those who had overdosed were more likely to be female, had longer cocaine use careers, had used more cocaine in the preceding month and preceding 6 months, had higher levels of cocaine dependence and more extensive polydrug use. Twenty-four per cent had witnessed a cocaine overdose, 13% in the preceding 12 months. Injectors were more likely to have witnessed overdoses, both ever (35% v 8%) and in the preceding 12 months (20% v 3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Experience of, and exposure to, overdose were not rare events. Cocaine users need to be aware of the possibility and nature of overdose, and that cocaine overdose can occur irrespective of method of use. There is a need to emphasise the potential danger of combining cocaine with other drugs.
Kaye
Sharlene
S
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia. s.kaye@unsw.edu.au
Darke
Shane
S
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003042:Cocaine / Q000506:poisoning*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology
D003042:Cocaine