Meth VS Crack: Risks, Side Effects, and Treatment

Meth and crack belong to the class of central nervous system stimulants. Stimulant abuse brought major havoc in the US by contributing to 30% of overdoses in 2021. The risks of meth and crack include coma, permanent brain damage, stroke, and even death. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss meth VS crack: what are some similarities, differences, and risk factors of the two deadliest stimulants.

Cocaine was responsible for 21% of the total overdoses resulting from stimulant abuse. Since crack is one form of cocaine, it shows how dangerous it can be.likewise, overdose deaths from meth have also increased significantly since 2015.

ChoicePoint is a leading rehab center located in Fairlawn, NJ that specializes in stimulant abuse. Contact our DEA-certified specialists by calling 844.445.2565 or entering your information here. 

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Understanding Meth Use

Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a psychostimulant commonly used as a recreational drug. Very rarely, it may be used as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. Some research has also been conducted on the effects of meth in patients of narcolepsy. Meth may come in the following forms.

Types of Meth

• White or off-white powder
• Crystal, also referred to as ice
• Paste
• A damp, oily substance called a base

Street Names for Meth

• Speed
• Crank
• Ice
• Chalk
• Pookie
• Cotton Candy
• Christina

Understanding Crack

Crack is a street name for cocaine. It is also a psychostimulant. Crack cocaine comes in the form of crystals or rock that is melted and then sniffed. The name “crack” comes from the cracking sound that solid cocaine produces when melted. Crack is only one form of cocaine.

Types of Cocaine

• Powder
• Crystal
• Paste

Street Names of Crack

• The big C
• Freebase
• Rock
• Ice or bones
• Sleet
• White tornado

What’s the Difference Between Crack and Meth?

Derivation of Meth VS. Crack

Meth is a synthetic stimulant, which means that humans create it in the lab. On the other hand, Crack is essentially produced by the coca plant. However, the pure form of cocaine is rarely available on the street because it is produced laboriously.

Longevity of High

Crack’s high is very short-lived as it may last 15 to 20 mins. This is why people are moved to smoking it again and again. When crack is smoked, it kicks in within 10 to 15 seconds and peaks at 15 to 20 mins. The time may vary according to the tolerance of individuals.

Meth’s high, on the other hand, may last up to 4 to 16 hours. It may peak within a few hours. However, the longevity of meth high depends on the mode of administration and the tolerance and dependence of an individual.

Mode of Administration

Crack cocaine is the most common form of cocaine. It comes in the form of rocks that must be heated and smoked. Crack is not injected or snorted since it is in crystalline form. Other forms of cocaine may be taken the explained way. 

Meth comes in the form of crystals, powder, or paste. It may be injected, snorted, smoked, or even taken as a pill. This is how meth differs from the one form of cocaine we are discussing here. 

Learn About Crack and Meth

Risks Associated with Meth VS Crack

The risks of meth and crack are quite similar since both of them are responsible for stimulating the nervous system.

A. Cocaine Addiction Risks 

Just like other drugs, cocaine also not only affects a person’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing. Some physical and psychological risks peculiar to cocaine are explained below. 

Polydrug Abuse

Crack cocaine is highly addictive, leading to rapid dependence and compulsive drug-seeking behavior. 50% of the overdoses that happened in 2019 involved the use of different drugs simultaneously.  Users taking crack may want to try other drugs to experience a better high. 

Health Issues

Smoking crack can cause severe cardiovascular problems. Studies show that the risk of stroke is very high with cocaine users, and it happens suddenly. Crack also affects the respiratory system.

Cocaine-Induced Brain Changes

Cocaine also affects parts of the brain that deal with stress. Stress can make it harder for someone to quit using cocaine, and many people with cocaine problems also have stress-related issues.

Cocaine Overdose

People who use crack will also want to move to different forms of cocaine. Crack cocaine or other forms of administration can cause overdoses. Overdose may result in heart attacks, seizures, and even death due to its potent effects on the central nervous system. 

B. Risks of Meth Abuse

In recent years, meth has become responsible for the overdose deaths of countless people. Some risks other than death are discussed below.

Physical Health Deterioration

Long-term meth use can lead to severe dental problems. You may have heard the term “meth mouth,” in which the teeth rot from either side. Other common issues include skin sores, weight loss, and malnutrition. This has direct implications on how your overall well-being is affected.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues are highly common among individuals with meth use disorders. Chronic methamphetamine use is associated with paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, and violent behaviors. Individuals using meth can be in constant psychological distress due to their behaviors. Agitation and a constantly stimulated state are highly dangerous. 

Permanent Brain Damage

Meth can also cause permanent brain damage. There are medical cases in which neurological damage was rendered due to high toxicity levels. Meth has been seen to kill neuronal cells. It may lead to memory loss and cognitive decline. 

Call us at 844.445.2565 or contact us via this form to undergo a comprehensive addiction treatment.

Treatment for Stimulant Abuse (Meth and Cocaine)

Treatment for stimulant abuse usually involves an integration of medical, psychological, and behavioral interventions. All treatments are aimed at addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Medical Detox

One of the first and most common medical interventions is detoxification under medical supervision. Detox is done to manage withdrawal symptoms and address any medical complications arising from substance abuse. 

Behavioral Therapies

Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and DBT, are commonly used to help individuals understand and change their patterns of thinking and behaviors related to substance abuse. These therapies can assist in:

• Developing coping strategies
• Improving decision-making skills
• Enhancing motivation for recovery.

FDA Approved Medications

While the FDA has not approved any medications specifically targeting meth or cocaine abuse, some medications may be prescribed to manage pain and other such issues. Since the withdrawal is very strong, it is vital to take therapy and a comprehensive treatment plan that your practitioner devises for you. 

ChoicePoint- Your Ally

With a team of experienced professionals and a supportive environment, ChoicePoint is fully equipped with the necessary resources to guide you toward overcoming meth vs. crack abuse. Our comprehensive treatment plans include:

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Therapy

ChoicePoint offers various services to meet your needs, whether you seek inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, partial care, or virtual treatment options.

Insurance Coverage

We accept insurance from most providers. Simply verify your insurance details through our online portal, and upon completion, we can initiate the treatment process.

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Meth vs Crack; People Also Ask…

Some frequently asked questions are answered below:

Is Crack the Same as Meth?

Crack and meth are not the same. There are chemical, manufacturing, and many other differences between meth and crack despite belonging to the same drug class. Crack is a form of cocaine, unlike meth. There are many similarities as well, but they are not the same. 

Is Meth Worse Than Crack?

Both meth and crack pose dangerous health risks. Neither of the drugs is better than the other. Both stimulants are highly life-threatening and may deteriorate physical as well as mental health. 

Is Meth Worse Than Heroin?

All hard drugs like meth and heroin are dangerous. While meth is a stimulant, heroin is an opioid. The risk of overdose is higher with heroin. However, the long-term side effects of meth make it just as difficult. 

What Is Crank?

Crank is a street name for meth, while crack is a street name for cocaine. 

Is Meth the Same as Ice?

Ice is one of the forms of meth. It is also a common street name for meth because it is white and also comes in the form of crystals that resemble ice.

Difference Between Meth and Molly?

Molly is commonly categorized as a form of meth. However, while molly/ecstasy shares some similarities with meth, it is chemically different and has different effects on the body and mind.

Sources

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2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, June 30). Drug Overdose Death Rates. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
3. chcsbcorg. (2020, August 5). Methamphetamines | The Center for Health Care Services. Chcsbc.org. https://chcsbc.org/get-help/adults/substance-use/methamphetamines/#:~:text=Methamphetamine%20is%20a%20powerful%2C%20highly
4. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2023). WORLD DRUG REPORT 2023. https://www.unodc.org/res/WDR-2023/WDR23_Exsum_fin_DP.pdf
5. CDC. (2021, August 18). Polysubstance Use Facts. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/polysubstance-use/index.html
6. Cheng, Y.-C., Ryan, K. A., Qadwai, S. A., Shah, J., Sparks, M. J., Wozniak, M. A., Stern, B. J., Phipps, M. S., Cronin, C. A., Magder, L. S., Cole, J. W., & Kittner, S. J. (2016). Cocaine Use and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults. Stroke, 47(4), 918–922. https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.115.011417
7. Kim, B., Yun, J., & Park, B. (2020). Methamphetamine-Induced Neuronal Damage: Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation. Biomolecules & Therapeutics, 28(5), 381–388. https://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2020.044