Meth and cocaine are dangerous and addictive substances. While they share a few similarities, there are also some important distinctions between them. When you know the differences in meth vs cocaine, you will be better prepared to take appropriate action if someone that you care about begins abusing or becomes addicted to either of these drugs.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, call us now or verify your insurance online and take the first step towards recovery!
Basic Facts About Cocaine vs Meth
Before we delve into the differences in meth vs cocaine, it can be valuable to take a few moments to discuss each of these substances separately.
Cocaine is a stimulant that is derived from the coca plant, which is native to South America. The drug typically appears as a white powder or as small crystals or rocks.
People who abuse cocaine often snort the drug in powder form or smoke the crystals by heating them and inhaling the vapor. It can also be taken orally or dissolved into a solution and injected.
Cocaine binds to dopamine receptors in the central nervous system, which prevents that neurotransmitter from being reabsorbed. The excess dopamine causes effects such as increased energy and alertness, elevated heart rate, and improved mood.
Meth, which is short for methamphetamine, is also a stimulant. As with cocaine, meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed.
The effects of meth abuse are also similar to what a person experiences when they use cocaine, except they last much longer. When these effects wear off, a person can go through a physical and psychological “crash.”
To maintain their high and avoid the crash, it’s common for people to go on meth binges, which can include using the drug multiple times over several days. During this period, they may sleep very little or not at all, which can increase their disorientation.
The potential long-term effects of meth use include cognitive deficiencies, severe dental damage, a propensity for violence, and psychosis.
What Is the Difference Between Meth vs Cocaine?
Now that we’ve reviewed some fundamental facts about each substance, let’s turn our attention to meth vs cocaine to understand their differences.
Here are five important distinctions:
- Duration of Effects:
Meth’s effects last much longer than those of cocaine. The euphoric boost that occurs when someone uses cocaine typically lasts no more than 30 minutes. After the initial rush of ingesting meth, the resultant high will last for several hours, in some cases up to 12-14 hours or even longer. - Presence in the Body:
Meth remains in the body longer than cocaine does. Cocaine has a half-life of about one hour, meaning the body eliminates 50% of the drug within that time.The half-life of methamphetamine is 10-12 hours. - Source and Production:
Importers usually bring cocaine from South America, where the coca plant is abundant. In contrast, producers often make meth in the United States in small “meth labs” found in abandoned houses, basements, garages, sheds, and even bathtubs. - Impurities and Adulterants:
Meth is more likely to contain impurities and adulterants. Cocaine is derived from a plant, while meth is entirely synthetic. Some dealers or manufacturers may cut cocaine with laxatives, caffeine, or even laundry detergent. Meth batches may include a range of toxic substances such as ammonia, battery acid, pseudoephedrine, antifreeze, sulfuric acid, drain cleaner, and gasoline. - Prevalence Among Users:
Cocaine remains more popular among recreational drug users in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 4.8 million Americans aged 12 and above used cocaine in the past 12 months. NIDA data indicates that about 2.5 million people in the same age range abused meth over the same period of time.
Symptoms of Addiction to Meth vs Cocaine
Addiction is one of the many negative outcomes that a person can experience if they abuse meth or cocaine. Once a person develops an addiction, they will find it difficult or virtually impossible to control the amount and frequency of their substance abuse. This, in turn, can increase their risk for serious physical, psychological, and social harm. Below are a few of the signs and symptoms of both meth and cocaine.
Signs And Symptoms Of Meth Or Cocaine Addiction
When searching for signs of meth vs cocaine addiction, they both can look identical in comparison. If you suspect that someone in your life has become addicted to meth or cocaine. Keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Obsessive Drug-Seeking Behavior:
They spend significant amounts of time seeking, acquiring, and using meth or cocaine (as well as recovering from the effects of these drugs). - Neglect of Responsibilities:
They are failing to meet their personal, academic, or work-related responsibilities because of their drug use. - Hazardous Use of Substances:
They have begun to use meth or cocaine in especially hazardous ways. This can include combining these drugs with other dangerous substances or driving while under the influence of meth or cocaine. - Continued Use Despite Harm:
They have continued to use meth or cocaine even after incurring harm (such as physical damage, job loss, or being arrested) as a result of their prior use of the drug. - Increased Tolerance Levels:
Smaller amounts of meth or cocaine don’t have the same effect on them anymore, so they need to take larger or more potent doses to achieve the sensation they’re seeking. This is known as developing tolerance. - Withdrawal from Social Activities:
They have begun to pull away from friends and family, and they no longer take part in hobbies or other activities that used to be significant to them. - Secretive or Deceptive Behavior:
They have become secretive or deceptive about how they spend their time and who they associate with. - Withdrawal Symptoms:
When they try to stop using either meth or cocaine, they experience physical and psychological distress. This is known as withdrawal, and it is one of the classic signs of addiction.
The Importance of Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts
Remember: An addiction to meth or cocaine is a behavioral health disorder that should be diagnosed by a professional. If a friend or family member has been exhibiting signs such as the ones we’ve listed above, they may be in crisis. The best first step is for them to be assessed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Once your loved one receives an accurate diagnosis, they can begin to explore their options for treatment. Though addictions to meth or cocaine can be devastating, the good news is that they are treatable conditions. With proper care and a concerted effort, your loved one can end their abuse of these dangerous drugs and begin to live a healthier life in recovery.
Explore Addiction Treatment Programs at Lake Avenue Recovery
Lake Avenue Recovery offers a range of evidence-based treatment programs. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our services include:
- Detoxification: A safe, medically supervised detox process to help patients withdraw from meth, cocaine, or other substances with minimal discomfort.
- Day Treatment: This program takes place on an outpatient basis, which means participants travel to a facility several days a week to receive care. Our Day Treatment program in Massachusetts can provide a continuation from the intensive treatment found in an inpatient program, and a great next step for addiction treatment.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Our IOP in Massachusetts provides quality care for those who still need to attend treatment on a regular basis while also maintaining their independence.
- Evening Intensive Outpatient Program: Our Evening IOP addiction treatment program meets up to four times per week from 5:30 p.m. to 9p.m. and is tailored for individuals with work, education, or family responsibilities.
- Outpatient Program: Designed for those who are further along in their recovery journey. Our outpatient services provide ongoing support and guidance to help maintain sobriety.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Many individuals struggling with substance abuse also face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Our dual diagnosis program addresses both conditions simultaneously for a more comprehensive approach to recovery.
Choosing the right program is crucial for a successful recovery. At Lake Avenue Recovery, we tailor our treatment plans to fit the unique needs of each patient. Ensuring they receive the right level of care and support.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
If someone that you care about has become addicted to cocaine or meth, please know that help is available. Lake Avenue Recovery is a leading provider of compassionate, affordable treatment for adults whose lives have been disrupted by substance use disorders or mental health.
With a team of highly skilled professionals, we provide a full continuum of care designed to guide your loved one from crisis to recovery. Our personalized programs ensure that each patient receives the care they need. Don’t wait to seek help. Visit our admissions page or call us today to learn more about our programs and begin the journey to a healthier, more hopeful future.
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