Cocaine abuse and sleep apnea in severe obesity

J Addict Med. 2013 Jul-Aug;7(4):294-5. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e31828c8196.

Abstract

Obesity is a cause of sleep breathing disorders that result in excessive daytime sleepiness. We describe the adaptive strategy used by an obese person who started to snort cocaine to remedy incoercible drowsiness affecting his working financial skills. Clinical workup documented severe sleep apnea, which was treated by noninvasive ventilation and resulted in withdrawing cocaine abuse. Undiagnosed sleep disorders may trigger surreptitious psychostimulant abuse in vulnerable individuals.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cocaine / administration & dosage*
  • Cocaine / adverse effects
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity, Morbid / drug therapy
  • Obesity, Morbid / therapy*
  • Self Medication / adverse effects*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / drug therapy
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / therapy*

Substances

  • Cocaine