Meth vs. Cocaine – What’s the Difference?

Many people are confused when talking about meth vs. cocaine, there are differences between the two substances, specifically in how they affect your brain and body. Both produce a powerful high and are extremely addictive. It’s important to understand the differences between these two drugs and the long-term consequences associated with either of them.

What Is Meth?

Methamphetamine (meth) is a synthetic drug that is created in illegal labs using a variety of dangerous chemicals and ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. This mixture is chemically altered to create methamphetamine. Meth produces a high similar to cocaine and increases confidence and alertness. However, the effects of meth tend to last much longer than cocaine depending on how you use it.

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine comes from coca plant leaves, which are processed to produce cocaine hydrochloride. This substance creates the white crystalline powder that is known as cocaine. Cocaine is highly addictive and creates a euphoric high and a boost in self-confidence. Although it was once widely utilized as a topical anesthetic, it is no longer commonly used in this capacity.

Meth vs. Cocaine – How Are They Similar?

Meth and cocaine are psychostimulants that create similar mood-altering effects. Both are also widely abused. Cocaine and meth have a similar effect on the user and produce a euphoric high and a boost of energy. Other ways they are similar include:

• Both cocaine and methamphetamine are stimulant drugs
• Cocaine and meth impact dopamine levels, causing a dramatic increase in the brain’s reward center
• The common mode of use is to inject, smoke or snort both drugs
• Both can cause irritability and anxiety
• Physiological effects include increased temperature, heart rate and blood pressure
• There is a strong potential for abuse of both substances

Both methamphetamine and cocaine pose equally high risks to your mental and physical well-being with potentially deadly consequences.

Meth vs. Cocaine – How Are They Different?

While the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine are similar, there are still differences in how they affect the mind and body. Some of these differences include:

• Duration of effect – A cocaine high is a euphoric boost that occurs shortly after ingesting the substance. While the initial rush of meth is fleeting, the lingering high lasts longer.
• Length of presence in the body – Meth remains detectable in the body longer than cocaine. Cocaine’s half-life is about one hour, while the half-life of methamphetamine is 12 hours.
• Production and sourcing – People create methamphetamine in “meth labs” throughout the country. Cocaine comes from South American countries where coca plants are abundant.
• Impurities – Meth is more likely to contain various impurities and is a synthetic drug, while cocaine comes from a plant. Some dealers will “cut” cocaine with caffeine, laxatives and even laundry detergent. Methamphetamines contain a mixture and often include a multitude of toxic substances such as battery acid, drain cleaner and gasoline.
• Prevalence – Approximately 4.8 million people reported using cocaine in 2021, while 2.5 million people reported methamphetamine use during that same time frame.

In addition, while meth increases the release of dopamine and blocks dopamine reuptake, cocaine only blocks reuptake but does not increase dopamine release.