Crack cocaine and methamphetamine are common, illegal stimulant drugs. These drugs produce some of the same side effects. However, they have some significant differences.

It is essential to understand the differences between crack and meth and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.

This article will explore the similarities and differences between crack and meth.

If you or someone you love struggles with crystal meth or crack addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment and long-term recovery support are available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact us today to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Crack?

Crack is a slang term for crack cocaine. Crack is an illicit stimulant drug derived from the South American coca plant. People create crack cocaine by combining powdered cocaine and other chemicals. This process produces a solid form of the drug.

Crack cocaine is typically white, pale pink, or yellow in color and may resemble crystals or pebbles. People ingest crack by heating the solid form of the drug and inhaling the vapors.

The effects of crack start very quickly after someone uses it. Short-term effects of crack cocaine include:

• Rapid heart rates
• A euphoric High
• Paranoia
• Increased alertness
• Elevated blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Increase sensitivity to sound, light, and Sensations
• Irritability

Crack cocaine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and is highly addictive. People who abuse crack cocaine for prolonged periods may develop long-term health problems, including:

•  Psychosis
•  Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
•  Cardiovascular problems
•  Life-threatening respiratory damage

People who become addicted to crack cocaine may experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. People with stimulant addiction typically require comprehensive addiction treatment programs to overcome it.

What is Meth?

Meth is a slang term for a dangerous CNS stimulant drug called methamphetamine. Meth is an illegal, synthetic drug that people create in illicit labs. Creating methamphetamine is dangerous because it requires heating a combination of chemicals, including over-the-counter medications, acetone, and other substances.

People typically ingest meth by injecting, snorting, swallowing, or smoking it. This potent drug produces stimulant side effects, including:

• Fast heart rate
• Elevated body temperature
• Increased blood pressure
• Aggression or violent behaviors
• Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke
• Tremors
• Convulsions
•  Paranoia
•  Death

People typically experience effects for several hours after ingesting methamphetamine. Heavy or frequent meth abuse can lead to long-term health problems, including:

• Memory loss
• Psychosis
• Changes in how the brain functions, resulting in cognitive decline
• Reduced motor and verbal skills
• Delusional thinking
• Aggression or violence
• Chronic anxiety
• Severe dental damage, sometimes called “meth mouth”

The long-term consequences of meth abuse can be life-threatening. People with crystal meth addiction must seek treatment and ongoing support to put substance abuse in the past and move forward.

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What is the Difference Between Crack and Meth?

In many ways, methamphetamine and crack are similar. Both drugs are illegal. Both drugs can lead to long-term or life-threatening health complications. Crack and meth are both addictive drugs.

However, there are some important differences between these substances.

First, crack is derived from a natural source. People use an extract from the leaves of a South American coca plant to create cocaine. Then, they combine cocaine with other chemicals to create crack cocaine. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a purely synthetic (man-made) drug.

Second, the effects of crack cocaine last a short period. Short-lived stimulant effects can lead to more frequent use, which can increase the risk of addiction. However, it is important to note that meth and crack are both highly addictive.

Finally, users ingest meth and crack differently. It is only possible to ingest crack cocaine by smoking it. Meth users may inject, swallow, snort, or smoke the drug.

Understanding and Treating Crack and Meth Addiction

While there are important differences between cocaine and methamphetamine, there are many more similarities between these dangerous, illicit drugs. Both drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. People who become addicted to crack or meth may experience brutal withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop. This can make it very challenging to stop using these drugs.

People who become addicted to crack or methamphetamine will continue to use these dangerous drugs, even when they cause grave harm to their bodies, minds, relationships, and more.

Treatment for stimulant addiction typically involves a medically supported detox program followed by comprehensive treatment.

A detox treatment program may consist of:

• Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
• 24/7 supervision and access to treatment
• A safe, secure environment
• Holistic therapies, including massage, nutrition support, mindfulness, and exercise

After completing detox, people must continue to explore the roots of their substance abuse and make changes that will support lifelong addiction recovery. A comprehensive treatment program may include medications, mental health treatments, education, and holistic therapies.

Find Treatment Now

Stimulant addiction can be difficult to overcome, but getting the right kind of treatment can help you put substance abuse in the past. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our treatment center and programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cocaine
2. Harvard University: Measuring Crack Cocaine and Its Impact
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
5. National Institute of Health (NIH): Treatment of stimulant use disorder: A systematic review of reviews