Yes, cocaine can be deadly. Overdose deaths involving cocaine have risen sharply in recent years, often made worse by dangerous combinations with opioids such as fentanyl. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that thousands of Americans lose their lives each year to stimulant overdoses, and cocaine is a leading cause.
The risk is not only tied to how much cocaine is used but also to factors like purity, method of use, overall health, and whether other substances are present in the body.
Key point: Even a single use of cocaine can result in an overdose for some individuals.