Is cocaine a methamphetamine? Key differences between these powerful stimulants
Authored By:
Raleigh Souther
Edited By:
Chase Mcquown
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Alejandro Alva
- Last Updated:
Cocaine and methamphetamine are two powerful stimulants, each with unique properties, yet they are often confused due to their somewhat similar effects on the human body. Understanding the differences between these two drugs is crucial for recognizing the symptoms of cocaine or methamphetamine addiction and ensuring a person struggling with substance abuse receives the correct treatment.
While cocaine and methamphetamine share certain similarities, they are very different drugs in terms of their origin, medical use, and long-term effects. Learn the main differences between cocaine and meth as well as the dangers of abusing either of these stimulants from our comprehensive guide below.
Understanding Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. In the past, cocaine was used for its pain-killing properties, but today the drug is banned in most countries in the world and is only occasionally used in medicine as a local anesthetic.
In its powdered form, cocaine is illegal. On the street, the drug is also known as coke, blow, or snow. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. It produces intense short-term euphoria but comes with numerous dangerous side effects, including increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and heightened alertness.
Understanding Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (or simply meth) is an addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. Methamphetamine is chemically similar to another stimulant—amphetamine—a substance that is used in the formulation of medications that treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity.
The use of methamphetamine for medical purposes is legal—the drug may be prescribed to the patient to treat ADHD or help them lose weight. Nonetheless, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows the use of meth in exceptional cases due to the addictive nature of the drug and its many adverse side effects.
Key Differences Between Cocaine and Methamphetamine
Here are the main differences between meth vs. cocaine:
- While cocaine is derived from the coca plant, meth is a man-made drug synthesized in the laboratory.
- In rare cases, methamphetamine may be prescribed to the patient to treat a medical condition, while the medical use of cocaine is extremely limited.
- Meth is usually cheaper than cocaine—the former is often called the “poor man’s cocaine” since its effects are similar, yet it is more affordable.
- The euphoric high you get from meth lasts longer—up to twelve hours compared to the thirty minutes you get from snorting cocaine.
Dangers of Cocaine and Methamphetamine Abuse
Regardless of their differences, both cocaine and methamphetamine are dangerous.
Adverse Effects
The short-term and long-term side effects of cocaine and meth are similar:
- Psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, irritability, paranoia, confusion, hallucinations)
- Cardiovascular issues (high blood pressure, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, heart attack)
- Gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite)
Addiction and Withdrawal
Both drugs are highly addictive—even a few uses may lead to dependency. Once a person decides to quit cocaine or meth, they will have to go through a withdrawal that lasts a few weeks—during this time, it is recommended to have medical supervision to deal with the symptoms (fatigue, agitation, insomnia, etc.)
Treatment for Cocaine and Methamphetamine Addiction
Therapy and Support
The cornerstone of drug addiction treatment is therapy. A certified mental health professional will be able to help the patient understand the reasons behind drug abuse, teach them to recognize triggering circumstances that may lead to cocaine or meth use in the future, and provide them with the skills they need to cope without drugs.
Medical Detox
When you bring your or your loved one’s struggles with cocaine or meth addiction to the attention of healthcare providers you trust, it is likely the patient will be advised to undergo a detox process. Residential treatment that starts with detox will give the patient a better chance to recover from addiction—they will have access to around-the-clock care and stay on the premises of the rehabilitation facility without external distractions that may hinder their progress.
FAQs
Is Cocaine Similar to Meth?
Cocaine and meth are similar in several ways—both drugs are stimulants, have comparable short-term and long-term side effects, and are illegal to possess and distribute.
What Drug Category Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant—this drug increases alertness and agitation, affecting a person’s behavior and raising their energy levels.
What Drugs Are Considered Methamphetamines?
In addition to methamphetamine itself, which is a schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, there are several drugs that contain methamphetamine—Desoxyn, Methedrine, Pervitin, etc.
What Is Stronger—Cocaine or Meth?
Methamphetamine is considered to be a more potent drug—it has a longer duration of effect, and its neurological impact is greater compared to cocaine.
What Are the Street Names for Cocaine and Meth?
If you are worried about a friend or family member discussing drugs in their presence, you may want to memorize a few slang terms for cocaine and meth. Cocaine is often called coke, snow, or flake, while meth may be referred to as crystal, ice, or speed.
Find Help for Cocaine and Meth Addiction at Visalia Recovery Center
We hope that our guide has helped you realize the differences between cocaine and methamphetamine as well as the danger these drugs pose to your physical and mental well-being. Whether you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, reach out to Visalia Recovery Center to get the assistance you need. Our certified professionals will design a personalized treatment plan for you to make sure you can overcome addiction to cocaine or meth.
Our facility specializes in the treatment of cocaine and meth addiction. We will help you arrange an intervention to express your concerns to the person you care about, admit the patient to our recovery center for a residential stay so that they can begin their treatment with a supervised detox, and provide the patient and their family with outpatient support once the residential program is complete. Get in touch with Visalia Recovery Center today to learn more about our services
