Stimulants are a class of drugs that speed up activity in your central nervous system. Some examples of stimulants include caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, and more. Two of the most notorious stimulant drugs are crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
While over 6 million people have abused crack in their lifetime, 2.5 million people have abused meth just in 2021.[1,2]
Both substances are highly addictive and known to cause increased energy, fast heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, and weight loss. While there are many similarities between meth and crack, there are some differences to be aware of.
For instance, meth is used medicinally to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under the brand name Desoxyn. There are no medicinal uses for crack cocaine. Even further, the effects of meth tend to last a lot longer than crack.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is crack
- What is meth
- What are the differences between meth and crack
What is Crack Cocaine?
Crack is a stimulant drug that is derived from powdered cocaine. It is created by mixing cocaine with baking soda and heating it until it becomes a rock-like substance. Crack is usually smoked and makes a crackling sound when heated, which is how it got its name.
It is possible to smoke or inject crack cocaine. Either way, the effects are both instant and potent. While the effects come on quickly, they tend to disappear within 30 minutes.
The effects of crack may include:
- A rush of euphoria and excitement
- Feelings of confidence and invincibility
- Increased energy and focus
- High blood pressure and fast heart rate
- Increased body temperature and sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Chest pain and anxiety
- Paranoia and psychosis
Because the effects of crack are short-lived, this causes people to binge on the drug. Unfortunately, using large amounts of crack in a short time can lead to a life-threatening overdose.
What is Meth?
Meth is a stimulant drug that is approved to treat ADHD in the United States. However, most people who misuse the drug are consuming an illicit version that contains additives and adulterants. The street version of meth is often referred to as crystal meth.
Meth can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. Any form of meth abuse is dangerous and can lead to both short-term and long-term health effects.
The effects of meth may include:
- Fast heart rate and breathing rate
- A euphoric high
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased body temperature and sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Lessened need for food and sleep
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Shaking or tremors
- Grinding of the teeth
In 2021, an estimated 2.5 million people used meth and 1.6 million were addicted to it. That same year, approximately 32,537 people died as a result of an overdose involving meth.
If you or a loved one abuse meth, you should seek help from an addiction treatment center. Meth abuse can lead to mental health, behavioral health, and physical health issues. Thankfully, drug rehab programs can help you achieve long-term recovery before it’s too late.
Crack vs Meth: Understanding the Differences
Crack and meth are both stimulants and are considered Schedule II drugs. They can cause similar side effects, like increased energy, paranoia, and insomnia. While they share many similarities, they also have some differences, including:
Origin
Crack is a form of cocaine. It is created by mixing powdered cocaine with baking soda to create a rock or crystalline-like substance.
On the other hand, meth is a synthetic drug that is created in a lab. When it is bought off of the street, it might contain household chemicals like drain cleaner.
Length of Effects
Crack tends to cause more short-lived effects than meth. For example, the effects of crack cocaine usually only last 30 minutes. On the other hand, the effects of meth can last for up to 8 hours.
Due to the short-lived high, it is more common to binge on crack than meth. People tend to do larger amounts of crack in a short time when compared to meth abuse.
Medical Uses
Doctors might use methamphetamine under the brand name Desoxyn to treat ADHD, obesity, and narcolepsy. While it is an addictive drug, it does have some medical uses.
In contrast, there are no medicinal uses for crack cocaine. The sole purpose of crack is to create a high.
Find Help for Crack and Meth Abuse
While crack and meth are different drugs, they are both highly addictive. Treatment typically includes medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms, therapy to address the root causes of addiction, and support programs to build coping skills for long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one suffers from crack or meth addiction, it’s time to seek help. New Jersey Behavioral Health Center is equipped to provide you with the support you need to achieve long-term sobriety. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
References:
- The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Crack Cocaine Fast Facts
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Cocaine
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth