Over 3.5 million people aged 12 and older in Texas reported having a substance use disorder in the last year. Despite this, many people don’t understand the difference between these substances. Knowing more about substances as a whole can help people better identify if they or a loved one are in need of help.
Our team at San Antonio Recovery Center has heard questions of all kinds regarding substance use. That’s why today we’re going to talk about cocaine vs meth, how they’re similar, how they’re different, and why you need to know.
Methamphetamine (meth) and cocaine are two types of illicit substances sought after for their euphoric side effects. They both fall into the category of a “stimulant.”
Despite being the same type of substance, meth and cocaine aren’t the same. Does this make them easy to tell apart? Do they even look similar? What classifies them as stimulants?
There are two primary classifications for substances: depressant and stimulant. To explain it simply, depressants slow down your nervous system while stimulants speed it up. There are stimulants and depressants that are FDA-approved, but there are also stimulants and depressants that are strictly illicit. Both of these come with their own risks, but today we’re going to focus on stimulants.
The classification of stimulants focuses primarily on how they impact the central nervous system. The central nervous system is the messaging system in the body. It’s responsible for our reactions, both conscious and subconscious. When this is sped up it can give the individual a “burst of energy.” To give a point of comparison, coffee and energy drinks are both stimulants.
Meth and cocaine’s differences start back at how they’re produced.
Methamphetamine is a synthetic substance that is produced in a lab. In many rural areas, there are different chemicals that are easily accessible that are used for the production of meth. One of the most common is anhydrous ammonia, which is found frequently in many fertilizers.
Cocaine, on the other hand, originates from the coca plant in South America. It’s derived from the leaves and is often smuggled into the country through states bordering Mexico, like Texas.
Despite this, both meth and cocaine are well-known for coming in a white, powdered form. Meth is more likely to have a cool tint to its color, but both can have a yellowish tint to their powdered forms, too.
When not fully refined, meth is more likely to look like small shards of glass, or come in a larger semi-transparent form known as “crystal meth.” Cocaine is opaque and has a base form that is more rock-like in appearance.
There is overlap in how meth and cocaine are regularly consumed.
Both substances can be snorted or injected. For those seeking out cocaine, it’s often dissolved in water in order to better inject.
Meth and cocaine are also commonly smoked. The type of cocaine that is used for smoking is known as crack cocaine.
Unlike cocaine, it’s not unusual for meth to come in a powdered form and be taken orally. Those who take cocaine orally usually do so by rubbing it on their gums.
Before we talk about the side effects that meth and cocaine share, it’s important to understand the two different types of side effects caused by substance use: short-term and long-term.
Short-term side effects are those felt when the drug is in your system. Long-term side effects are those caused by the continued presence of a substance in your body, leading to symptoms that last weeks or months after your last dose.
The shared, short-term side effects of meth and cocaine include:
In addition to short-term side effects, both stimulants have overlapping long-term symptoms and risks. The primary risks include the development of a substance use disorder, increased depression, increased anxiety, decreased cognition, and increased risk of stroke or heart attack. Additionally, the method of consuming either substance can increase your risk of blood-borne disease, pneumonia, and nasal damage.
The biggest difference between meth and cocaine comes from their long-term side effects. Those who have a history of engaging with meth are at a much higher risk of experiencing delusions and hallucinations.
While cocaine can lead to paranoia and increased irritability, as well as a risk of hallucinations, methamphetamine use is more well-known for this phenomenon occurring. So much so that there are terms such as “meth mites” and “meth mouth”, referring to the physical results of long-term meth use.
Polysubstance use is the knowing or unknowing consumption of multiple substances in or around the same time. Common examples include drinking alcohol and smoking weed, or engaging with substances while on a consistent, prescription medication.
Polysubstance use, in all forms, is dangerous. It increases the risk of overdose no matter what substances are involved. This is due to how our bodies process the substances we put into it.
Our liver and digestive tract as a whole are the systems most responsible for filtering and processing substances. The liver has a maximum capacity – it’s only able to process so much at a given time. If you add more into your system than your liver can handle, it starts to greatly impact other systems in your body, including your brain. This is when overdoses happen.
When you take two stimulants at the same time, including meth and cocaine, you will hit your limit much faster than if you’re just engaging with one. It amplifies the effects, both positive and negative, of both. Because drugs like meth and cocaine aren’t regulated, you can never know exactly how much you’re putting into your system at a given time.
Polysubstance use is more common than you think. As people continue to engage in substance use, it’s not unlikely for them to try other substances or unknowingly take a substance that is laced with another.
No matter if you regularly seek out cocaine, meth, or a combination of the two – there are recovery options available for you. Finding a quality cocaine rehab and meth rehab program will pair you up with a knowledgeable team who will work with you to help you reach your healing goals.
There are options available right here in San Antonio that have the full continuum of care available for you. A quality program will offer support as long as you need it and address any concerns you may have, instead of only focusing on one or two of them.
With the largest alumni program in the city, our team at San Antonio Recovery Center is dedicated to your journey. We’re here to help you pave the path going forward, and we always meet you where you are. Don’t wait, give us a call today at 866-957-7885 and we’ll get you started.
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