When examining cocaine addictions, researchers have determined that temperature and death are closely related. In a recent Science Daily post, a study was examined in which researchers have determined that accidental overdose deaths involving cocaine use actually rise when the average weekly ambient temperature rises higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Researchers examined mortality data from New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for 1990 through 2006, as well as temperature data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Throughout the study, researchers determined that accidental overdose deaths that were wholly or partly attributable to cocaine use rose significantly as the temperature also rose.

In fact, as temperatures continue to climb, so do the numbers of cocaine-related overdose deaths. According to researchers, cocaine-related overdose increases the core body temperature and impairs the cardiovascular system’s ability to cool the body. The drug can also decrease the sense of heat-related discomfort that would normally motivate someone to prevent becoming overheated.

Those cocaine users who become overheated can easily overdose on lower cocaine amounts simply because their bodies are under more stress. Study authors highlight the importance of public health intervention in warm weather – especially the importance of delivering health-related warnings to high-risk groups.

Prevention methods could include making air conditioning available in locations common to cocaine users. Areas can include those with a high prevalence of cocaine-related deaths or arrests.

Lead author Dr. Amy Bohnert explained in Science Daily, "Cocaine users are at a high risk for a number of negative health outcomes and need public health attention, particularly when the weather is warm."