Meth vs Crack. Is Crack vs Meth the Same? What’s The Difference Between Crack and Meth?

Both crack cocaine and methamphetamine are highly addictive and hazardous illegal substances. Still, they differ in their chemical makeup, how they are used, and some of their effects on the body.


Meth vs Crack

When comes to Meth vs Crack, people often wonder what the difference is. The truth is that while both substances are drugs that can be highly addictive and have serious side effects, they have distinct differences in terms of their makeup, legality, and use. Continue reading to learn the difference between Crack and Meth.

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth or crystal meth, is a powerful stimulant with an extremely high potential for abuse. It is usually sold in powder form or as small pills made from the drug’s crystalline form. Meth can cause intense rushes of energy and alertness when taken in large doses, but its effects quickly diminish over time, and users may experience depression after using it. The long-term effects of methamphetamine use can include physical damage, such as organ and brain damage, and psychological issues, like psychosis, paranoia, and aggression.

What is Crack Cocaine?

Crack cocaine is a solid form of cocaine that has been cooked with baking soda to produce small white rocks or crystals. It can be smoked in a pipe or broken into pieces and snorted. Crack is more powerful than regular cocaine because it produces an intense high lasting only minutes rather than the hours-long experience of snorting or injecting it. Because of its short-term effects, crack users often binge on the drug, increasing their risk of addiction and other health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and respiratory failure.

Crystal Meth vs Crack Differences

Both meth and crack are highly addictive and hazardous illegal substances. Still, they differ in their chemical makeup, how they are used, and some of their effects on the body.

Meth vs Crack Differences Chart

Here is a comparison chart between methamphetamine and crack cocaine:

DrugMethamphetamineCrack Cocaine
Drug ClassStimulantStimulant
Chemical StructureMethamphetamine is an amphetamine derivative.Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that has been processed with baking soda and water.
Schedule ClassificationSchedule II controlled substance in the United States.Schedule II controlled substance in the United States.
How it is used?Smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed.Usually smoked.
EffectsEuphoria, increased alertness, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, paranoia, aggression, irritability, and insomnia.Euphoria, increased alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, paranoia, aggression, and irritability.
How long it lastsThe effects can last up to 12 hours or more and vary depending on the method of use.The effects usually last about 5-10 minutes, but users may continue to feel the effects for up to an hour.
RisksMethamphetamine use can lead to addiction, weight loss, severe dental problems, skin sores, infections, psychotic behavior, and damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs.Crack cocaine use can lead to addiction, cardiac and respiratory problems, seizures, stroke, HIV/AIDS, and psychiatric problems.
TreatmentBehavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or a combination of both.Behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or a combination of both.
Use the above Meth vs Crack Differences Chart to learn the facts about these harmful drugs quickly. Both methamphetamine and crack cocaine are highly addictive and can have severe physical and mental health consequences for users.

Methamphetamine, sometimes referred to as “meth,” “ice,” or “crystal,” is a synthetic stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. It causes sensations of pleasure, alertness, and enhanced energy while stimulating the central nervous system and increasing dopamine release. Addiction, paranoia, violence, and psychosis are just a few of the physical and mental health issues that methamphetamine can bring.

Crack cocaine, also known as just “crack,” is a variety of cocaine transformed into a rock crystal that is usually smoked. Although it likewise stimulates the central nervous system and boosts dopamine release, its effects are typically more pronounced and brief than methamphetamine. Crack can also lead to various physical and psychological health difficulties, such as addiction, anxiety, heart, and respiratory problems.

Which is More Dangerous, Meth vs Crack?

Overall, both crack and meth have a significant potential for addiction and have serious health risks. Methamphetamine, however, might be regarded as more harmful due to its longer-lasting effects and greater capacity to trigger psychosis and aggressive behavior. Additionally, compared to other drug use, how crack is consumed (smoking) may result in more respiratory issues.

Meth vs Crack Dangers

While both meth and crack are drugs with similar addictive properties and dangerous side effects, they have different chemical makeups and different legal statuses. Cracking is illegal in the United States, whereas meth is a controlled substance. Additionally, crack is more powerful than meth and can be more difficult to quit due to its short-term effects. Both drugs should be avoided at all costs as they can lead to serious physical and psychological health problems.

Meth vs Crack Differences

Both crack cocaine and methamphetamine are highly addictive and hazardous illegal substances. Still, they differ in their chemical makeup, how they are used, and some of their effects on the body.
Both crack cocaine and methamphetamine are highly addictive and hazardous illegal substances. Still, they differ in their chemical makeup, how they are used, and some of their effects on the body.

Learn More:

  1. What’s The Main Difference Between Crack Versus Meth?

    Meth is manufactured, whereas crack is produced from the coca plant.

  2. Meth Versus Crack, Which is More Dangerous?

    Although crack and meth have different effects on users, they are both extremely deadly.

  3. Crack Vs Crystal Meth, Which is More Addictive?

    Both crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine (also known as crystal meth) are highly addictive drugs that can cause serious health problems and have devastating consequences for users and their families.

  4. What’s The Difference Between Crack And Meth?

    Crack cocaine is a highly addictive form of cocaine that is smoked, while crystal methamphetamine (or crystal meth) is a highly addictive stimulant that is typically smoked, snorted, or injected. They have different chemical structures and produce different effects, but both can lead to serious health problems and addiction.

  5. Is Crack The Same As Meth?

    Crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine (or crystal meth) are different drugs with distinct chemical structures and effects on the body. However, both are highly addictive stimulants that can cause serious harm to the user.

  6. Is Meth Worse Than Crack?

    It is difficult to definitively say whether methamphetamine (or crystal meth) is worse than crack cocaine as both are highly addictive stimulants that can cause serious harm to the user.

    They have different chemical structures and produce different effects on the body, but both can lead to addiction, overdose, and long-term health problems. The severity of the harm caused by each drug can vary depending on many factors, including the frequency and duration of use, the method of administration, and individual factors such as genetics and underlying health conditions.

  7. Is Crack Meth?

    Crack cocaine and methamphetamine (or crystal meth) are different drugs with distinct chemical structures and effects on the body. Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that is typically smoked, while crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine that is often smoked, snorted, or injected.

Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Searching for Accredited Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You?

Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.

(844) 597-1011

Methamphetamine Factsheet

What is Methamphetamine?

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant that can cause addiction in as little as a single use. This is mainly due to the rush of dopamine produced by the drug. Dopamine is a chemical that’s not only responsible for inducing feelings of pleasure but also for motivation, memory retention, learning, and reward processing. The rush of dopamine produced by Meth is much higher than the natural amount of dopamine produced in the brain, which causes people to continue using the drug to keep those heightened and pleasurable feelings.


Methamphetamine Effects

Abuse of methamphetamine includes any illegal usage of the drug. When smoked or injected, meth causes a “rush” similar to that experienced when using crack cocaine; this is brought on by increased heart rate, blood pressure, and pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters in the brain. Snorting meth produces an ecstatic feeling but not a rush.

The infusion rush produces the biggest effects, lasting up to 30 minutes. Depending on the drug’s use, users enjoy a sustained high that can continue between 8 and 24 hours after the first surge. Meth injection delivers a higher high than smoking or snorting it, although it lasts less.

Street Names for Methamphetamine

Meth and Crystal Meth are chemically identical substances, despite the differences in the structural composition of the two varieties. Methamphetamine goes by the following street names:

  • Glass.
  • Speed.
  • Ice.
  • Crystal.
  • Crank.
  • Tweak.
  • Redneck Cocaine.
  • Chalk.

The vast bulk of meth sold today comes from imports and clandestine labs. A few people often generate modest amounts of the material in “home labs” or “stove tops,” where the product is typically cooked. Meth is also made in cartel “super labs,” which use high-end machinery to generate the drug in greater quantities and with superior quality.

The stimulant Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine, present in certain popular over-the-counter cough and cold treatments, is often the main component in meth. Meth labs are famously hazardous due to the toxic and flammable gases and chemicals generated during the production of the drug.

Methamphetamine Statistics

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that poses significant risks to the health and well-being of individuals who use it. Despite the many negative consequences of meth abuse, the problem continues to affect communities across the United States and worldwide.

In recent years, studies and research have shed light on the scope and impact of meth abuse, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies. This section will examine some of the latest statistics and findings on meth abuse, drawing from recent studies and reports.


Meth costs the United States $550 million in drug treatment programs annually.

Source: NIDA

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.6 million people reported using Meth in the past year.

Source: NIDA

An estimated 964,000 people aged 12 and older qualified as having a Meth use disorder in 2017.

Source: NIDA


Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

Get Your Life Back

Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care.

Hotline(844) 597-1011

What Is The Difference Between Crack And Meth In Terms of Effects?

What are the differences between crack vs meth pipes? The pipes used to smoke both substances are usually the same kind.
What are the differences between crack vs meth pipes? The pipes used to smoke both substances are usually the same kind.

Are Meth And Crack The Same Thing? Different Effects

What is the difference between meth and crack? Crack and methamphetamine (meth) are two different stimulant drugs with similar effects on the body and mind. However, there are differences in how they affect the body and their overall effects on a person’s health.

Crack is a form of cocaine that is smoked, while meth is a synthetic stimulant that can be taken in several forms, including smoking, snorting, injecting, or ingesting. Both drugs produce a powerful rush of euphoria and energy, but meth has a longer-lasting and more intense effect.

Some short-term effects of crack and meth include increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and decreased appetite and sleep. However, meth can also cause more severe side effects such as psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia. Meth use has been associated with a higher risk of overdose and long-term health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and dental problems.

What’s worse crack or meth? Regarding addiction potential, both crack and meth are highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. Overall, both drugs have serious risks and should be avoided, and anyone struggling with addiction should seek professional help.

What’s The Difference Between Meth And Crack? Effects on the Body and Brain

Methamphetamine (meth) and crack cocaine are highly addictive and dangerous stimulant drugs with similar effects on the body and brain. However, they differ in their chemical structure, administration mode, and effects intensity. Here are some of the key differences between meth and crack in terms of their effects on the body and brain:

  • Chemical structure. Meth is a synthetic drug chemically similar to amphetamines, while crack is a form of cocaine that has been processed with baking soda and water to create a crystal-like rock.
  • Mode of administration. Meth can be snorted, smoked, or injected, while crack is typically smoked.
  • Duration of effects. Meth’s effects can last up to 12 hours or more, while crack’s effects typically last 5-10 minutes.
  • Intensity of effects. Meth produces a more intense high than crack, with euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness lasting for hours. Crack produces a short but intense high often described as a rush or a blast of euphoria.
  • Physical effects. Both meth and crack can cause a range of physical effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, as well as decreased appetite, dilated pupils, and dry mouth. Meth can also cause skin sores, tooth decay, and weight loss, while cracks can cause respiratory problems and chest pain.
  • Mental effects. Both drugs can cause psychological effects like paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations. Meth can also cause aggression, irritability, and mood swings, while crack can cause depression and suicidal thoughts.
  • Addiction and withdrawal. Both meth and crack are highly addictive and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit. Meth withdrawal can cause symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and anxiety, while crack withdrawal can cause cravings, agitation, and restlessness.

It’s important to note that meth and crack are illegal and highly dangerous drugs that can cause serious health problems and even death with regular use. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to meth, crack, or any other substance, it’s important to seek professional help and support.

First-class Facilities & Amenities

World-class High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment

Rehab Centers Tour

Renowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.

Addiction Helpline(844) 597-1011

Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:

15+

Years of Unified Experience

100s

5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers

10K

Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network

  • Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
  • Onsite Medical Detox Center
  • Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
  • Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
  • Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events

Meth Addiction Treatment

Treatment for meth addiction typically involves medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, support groups, and residential treatment programs. The goals of meth addiction treatment are to help individuals stop using methamphetamine, manage withdrawal symptoms, and develop the skills and strategies needed to maintain long-term sobriety.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves using medications to manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal and cravings that can occur when an individual stops using methamphetamine. Medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone can effectively reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

Behavioral therapy is another critical component of meth addiction treatment. This therapy focuses on changing behavior and thought patterns contributing to drug use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management are two evidence-based therapies effective in treating meth addiction.

Treatment for meth addiction typically involves medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, support groups, and residential treatment programs.
Treatment for meth addiction typically involves medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, support groups, and residential treatment programs.

Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can also be important to meth addiction treatment. These groups provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, receive encouragement, and learn from others who have overcome addiction.

Residential treatment programs are another option for individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction. These programs provide a safe, structured environment where individuals receive intensive treatment and support. Residential treatment programs may be especially beneficial for those with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or a history of relapse.

In addition to these treatment options, it is important to address the physical and mental health consequences associated with methamphetamine addiction. Treatment may involve addressing dental decay, skin sores, anxiety, depression, and psychosis that can occur with methamphetamine use.

Overall, meth addiction treatment requires a comprehensive approach that addresses addiction’s physical, mental, and emotional aspects. With the appropriate support and resources, it is possible to overcome methamphetamine addiction and maintain long-term sobriety.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.

CALL(844) 597-1011

End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.

We Level Up Meth and Crack Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Experience Transformative Recovery at We Level Up Treatment Centers.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis TherapyWe Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis TherapyWe Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy

Hotline (844) 597-1011
Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.

Start a New Life

Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up Treatment Center Network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.

  • Personalized Care
  • Caring Accountable Staff
  • World-class Amenities
  • Licensed & Accredited
  • Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews

We’ll Call You


Crack and Meth Informative Video

When referring to the physical degradation of facial characteristics of methamphetamine abusers, the phrase “the faces of meth” is frequently used. Images of people before and after they get addicted to methamphetamine serve as a harsh reminder of the physical harm the drug causes. It’s critical to be aware of the many harmful effects of methamphetamine use, including dental deterioration and “meth mouth.” It is vital to recognize the signs of meth addiction and get proper treatment to avoid long-term harm.

Search We Level Up Meth and Crack Resources
Sources
  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Methamphetamine DrugFacts: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Methamphetamine: https://www.samhsa.gov/
  3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Methamphetamine: https://www.dea.gov/
  4. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Methamphetamine: https://medlineplus.gov/methamphetamine.html
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Methamphetamine: https://www.cdc.gov/
  6. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Methamphetamine: https://www.justice.gov/
  7. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Methamphetamine: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving#methamphetamine
  8. Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) – Methamphetamine: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
  9. National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) – Methamphetamine: https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/policy/04meth.html
  10. United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Methamphetamine: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/substance-use/drugs/stimulants/methamphetamine/index.html