Methamphetamine and Cocaine Comparison
Crystal Meth and cocaine create similar effects, such as an intense “rush” and feelings of euphoria, but they are very different in the way they work in the body.
Cocaine leaves the system rather quickly, as it is metabolized by the body. But, methamphetamine can linger for hours. It stays in the body, unchanged.
Meth stays in the brain longer than cocaine, and therefore the drug is longer-lasting. Both methamphetamine and cocaine cause an increase in the levels of dopamine, but levels of dopamine are higher with meth use, because the nerve cell actions are different.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Methamphetamine is a Stimulant.
Cocaine is a Stimulant and local anesthetic.
Methamphetamine is Synthetic.
Cocaine is derived from an organic substance (leaves of coca plant).
Smoking Methamphetamine produces long-lasting high.
Smoking Cocaine produces a short-term high.
50% of Methamphetamine is removed from the body in 12 hours and increases dopamine release and blocks dopamine re-uptake.
50% of Cocaine is removed from the body in 1 hour.
Methamphetamine has limited medical use.
Cocaine has limited medical use as a local anesthetic for some surgical procedures.
Resorces:
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Crystal-Meth.html
