Meth vs Crack: Differences, Signs, Symptoms, and Impact
There remains a serious problem with alcohol and substance addiction in the U.S. This is especially true with stimulant addiction, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine. However, when it comes to crack vs meth, many people get confused as to which is which and what the effects of one versus the other are. The good news is that there are many positive and effective tools to help individuals recover from stimulant addictions.
Better Understanding Crack
Crack remains highly prevalent since its introduction in the 1980s; yet, what exactly is it? According to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), “Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and powerful stimulant that is derived from powdered cocaine using a simple conversion process. Crack emerged as a drug of abuse in the mid-1980s. It is abused because it produces an immediate high and is easy and inexpensive to produce – rendering it readily available and affordable.”
Crack also has many stigmas associated with it. This is because it has long been associated with marginalized communities, and thus the prevalence of it and the populations it affects have gone underserved. It is also true that the justice system has long vilified individuals struggling with crack use over those who use powder cocaine. In fact, the repercussions for crack possession were far more significant than for powder cocaine possession. This is also true for people who are prosecuted for meth use and meth possession.
Better Understanding Meth
Meth is gaining popularity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. In recent years, methamphetamine availability and methamphetamine-related harms have been increasing in the United States.”
Meth has also gained in popularity due to its depictions in popular culture. This includes shows like Breaking Bad, in which meth use and meth production was both minimized and glorified. Meth, like crack, is also a very affordable stimulant in comparison to other forms of stimulants like powder cocaine and prescription pills.
Differentiating Crack vs Meth
When it comes to crack vs meth, they are much more similar than they are different. Surely, crack vs meth have differing chemical components. They also have slightly different ways in which they affect one’s physical, emotional, and mental state.
However, they do share similarities that can make individuals more vulnerable to their use. This includes how crack and meth are “affordable” versions of illicit stimulants. Because they are both stimulants, their use also shares similar signs, symptoms, and consequences on an individual’s health and well-being.
Crack vs Meth: The Signs and Symptoms of Crack and Meth Addiction
The signs and symptoms of crack vs meth are quite similar. This means that it can be hard to differentiate if someone is struggling with a crack or a meth addiction. The following are a few shared signs and symptoms of crack and meth addiction:
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Acting overly paranoid
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Not being able to “sit still” for long periods of time
- Having trouble sleeping, and then sleeping for an excessive amount
- Exhibiting mood swings
- Going through withdrawals when the substance is not available
- Using other substances like alcohol to “level out”
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Experiencing hallucinations
- Eventual feelings of self-harm and suicidal ideation
As one can see, these are significant signs and symptoms. This is why, regardless of the differences between crack vs meth, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible if any, many, or all symptoms are present. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Crack vs Meth: Recovering With Various Means, Methods, and Modalities
Quite often, the same means methods and modalities are used to treat both crack and meth addictions. These modalities include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Effective modalities also include experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy, art therapy, and drama therapy. Then there are also very effective holistic healing methods like yoga therapy, mindfulness meditation, and acupuncture. The key is to find the right recovery center and treatment plan that fits one’s individual needs. This may include residential addiction care or an intensive outpatient program. It may also include a professional detox.
Recovering With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in helping all who want to recover do so on the cellular level. This means whole mind-body-spirit recovery.
We also believe in what we call the Phoenix Difference. It goes, “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” This is our promise at The Phoenix Recovery Center, and it is one we have been fulfilling for over a decade. Recovery is out there. We can help make it a reality.
Crack and meth addictions remain highly prevalent in the U.S. They are also some of the most highly addictive drugs out there today. The good news is there are many helpful ways in which one can fully recover from a meth and/or crack addiction. The key is to take the first step and reach out for help. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about crack vs meth, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
