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Cocaine and adderall are two substances that have a lot in common due to their stimulant effect on the mind and body, however, they are two very different drugs. While both can increase energy and alertness, they can also produce dangerous side effects. Cocaine and adderall both fall under Schedule 2 drugs. Cocaine is completely illegal while adderall is often prescribed. Both started originally for being used in the medical field and while adderall has stayed available for patients, cocaine has been lessened due to the addictive quality. If cocaine is used medically speaking, it is known as cocaine hydrochloride and it must be given by a healthcare professional, usually topically for numbing purposes. In this article, we will compare and contrast the similarities and differences in cocaine and adderall and explore the risks of using either, especially in combination.
Cocaine was originally discovered from the coca plant which is native to South America. The coca leaves acted as a stimulant that would grow stronger with increased oxygen intake. Over time, science assisted in figuring out how to maximize the drug strength and effect from the coca leaves. Cocaine was already a fast-acting drug when it was ingested naturally (the leaves of the plant being eaten). Imagine how much the plant changed when scientists began chemically synthesizing its compounds. That process is how we end up with the white powdery substance we are familiar with. It didn't end there though. That white powder can turn into something even more potent and addictive called crack cocaine. This is when the powder is turned into a solid form so it can be smoked.
The effect of cocaine can make someone feel invincible, confident, sociable, and overall great. A magnifier of all their “positive” traits, if you will. However, every high must come to an end and that is where the user may feel the complete opposite of the euphoria they recently were experiencing. The person that took cocaine may not have the energy to combat those negative feelings without wanting to be on cocaine or taking more of the drug. The comedown is a magnifier of those same traits, but in all the worst ways. So someone who may be ridiculously confident while high off cocaine is now ashamed or insecure. Someone who may have made all the friends while on cocaine, may isolate themselves after usage. The short-lived high can have people feening for more and leaving people feeling nervous or easily-agitated. Some users even experience panic attacks when they aren’t on the drug. The long term consequences of cocaine usage differ depending on how it is ingested. Snorting cocaine can lead to chronic nosebleeds or even a perforation in the nasal septum where smoking crack cocaine can lead to chronic cough and lung damage. There are other long term consequences that can damage the cardiovascular and neurological systems. From seizures and strokes to heart attacks to memory loss, the consequences can permanently change someone’s life. Those are just the consequences on our physical being. There are also social and financial consequences that could last short or long term and vary per person’s experience. Users may lose loved ones for choosing their addiction over their family or close friends. Many go into debt or lose their job because addiction can take priority. This could leave someone unhoused and in a dangerous situation. Not to mention, they most likely are withdrawing and craving more cocaine.
Adderall is a prescription drug that acts as a stimulant and is prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which when mixed create heightened focus and alertness. Adderall can mimic the same effects of cocaine creating those feelings of euphoria, confidence, energy, and productivity so you can sense where the hidden danger may come from. Adderall can be a great tool for those who struggle with concentration, however can be easily misused – often by taking a higher dose than prescribed or taken recreationally. This is more often than not when it comes to prescribed drugs. Adderall was first synthesized in the 1880’s and resynthesized in the 1920’s. Adderall was originally called benzedrine and was issued to soldiers in World War 2 to increase energy and vigilance. In the early 2000’s, adderall started becoming a popular “study drug” which means high school and college students were misusing the drug to manage their studies and schooling.
Misuse of adderall can start as simple as taking the drug to increase productivity like studying or enhance performance like in sports, however can quickly turn into dependency and addiction. Over time, the mind and body create a tolerance and more would have to be taken to achieve the same effects. Even basic tasks can become difficult when the body starts relying on the adderall. The misuse of adderall can lead to serious health risks such as heart problems, sleep disorders, and mental health issues.
So far we’ve touched on a few of cocaine and adderall similarities. Let's take a deep dive into how these two drugs compare. As we know, both of these drugs are stimulants, they increase activity in the brain. Both drugs affect our dopamine and norepinephrine levels which is how we receive that euphoric feeling, enhanced mood and energy. With those good feelings, also come risks. Both drugs are easily addictive and can cause health risks starting from elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and lessened appetite to extreme fatigue, depression, and cardio and respiratory issues.
Cocaine is a natural drug coming from the coca plant whereas adderall is a man-made drug otherwise known as a synthetic drug. Adderall lasts much longer than cocaine. Adderall can last 4-8 hours and even have options for extended release lasting 8-12 hours while cocaine lasts anywhere from 10-30 minutes based on how much is taken, how it is taken, and how often it is taken. Many cocaine users continue to use it so the high lasts longer, however the come down for both drugs differs exponentially. A cocaine come down is abrupt, hence why a lot of people rather continue to use the drug than experience the come down. Since cocaine is a short-lived drug, the crash is typically more severe. Adderall comedown is more gradual and the effects less intense. You may have seen someone easily irritated or annoyed after usage of either of these drugs as well as experiencing restlessness and depression. Both drugs exert the body and mind. Getting rest is key, but cocaine may be harder to obtain. While cocaine comedowns can be dangerous, adderall is less likely to end abruptly. Either way, the more cocaine or Adderall is used, the worse the comedown will be which goes to show that prescription drugs can be misused, and if ended up in the wrong hands, even deadly.
Mixing these two drugs can be a deadly combination. Many think because adderall is a medication that they can mix it, but again… these are two stimulants. Both drugs affect the brain in similar ways altering the neurotransmitters and affecting the central nervous system. Remember those health risks we’ve been talking about? Imagine those on steroids. So yes, at first, you’re going to feel like an amplified version of yourself, maybe even like Superman! Invincible, pleasurable, and enhanced euphoria…however, this may cause cardiovascular effects like heart palpitations or trouble breathing. These drugs can help with focus and energy, but taking too high of a dose or mixing can lead to overstimulation and psychological issues which can look like increased anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and in some cases, psychosis. While some of the risks may pose a threat or danger immediately, other risks may develop over time. Of course, mixing both can also end in overdose as the lengths of each drug lasts differently so users may continue to take cocaine while already on adderall to stop or delay the “crash”/comedown. Not only does the likelihood for addiction increase when taking more than one drug, it can also make someone's behavior even more erratic and could quickly turn into violence. Breaking the cycle for any addiction is already hard enough. Breaking the cycle for using one more than one drug is extremely difficult, but not impossible.
Have you witnessed a friend or loved one take something outside their prescription dosage? Or even give their prescription to someone else? Maybe you’ve witnessed your friend buy something off the street and bring it over to try. Either way, you may not have had a second thought when it comes to partaking in either one of these drugs. What can start as a fun party drug or even help one study, can turn into addiction. Adderall addiction can be hard to realize because it’s a prescribed medication. Tolerance builds with every drug, and you may know someone or experienced it yourself where you take more than you know you should. This is how addiction can start. Cocaine addiction is a bit more fast-acting due to the drug’s intensity and short-lived high, leaving people wanting more and oftentimes, leading people to do things they aren’t necessarily proud of to obtain more. Cocaine is especially addictive for that matter. For those that are addicted to both, the body and mind are pushed to their limit and the danger that comes with that is twice as much.
Regardless if it is adderall, cocaine, or both that you or a loved one may need help with, addiction is a disease that requires professional help to begin proper recovery and treatment. It all starts with admitting there is an issue and reaching out for support.
For adderall addiction, there are a few routes someone can take. The best and most popular route is a medical detox. This would help with withdrawal symptoms. This would be done in a treatment center and is a safe, reliable way to ensure the stop of using adderall. It is important to have a support system, whether that's the facility itself or close friends and family.
Cocaine addiction recovery and treatment is very similar to adderall. There typically is a supervised detox and therapy support which can look like group therapy, family therapy, or individual one on one therapy that may include cognitive behavioral therapy. Cocaine treatment can take up to 5-10 weeks to ensure the drug is fully out of the system and to create boundaries to help people when they return to “the real world”.
For individuals addicted to both substances, an integrated treatment plan is essential. An integrated treatment plan is a treatment approach most used when there are multiple issues, such as poly-substance addiction (using more than one drug at a time) or experiencing mental health issues while abusing a substance. This way sees the problem as a whole instead of treating each individual problem. Recovery from both includes therapies as mentioned above, an individualized treatment plan based on intake assessment, and most likely spending time in a rehab facility to ensure the treatment plan is being followed and users are fully detoxed before moving forward.
Finding the right therapy and rehabilitation center can be a daunting task however it is important to ensure success and not to fall back into the bad habits that got one addicted to begin with. Although addiction can run deep, North Palm Beach Recovery is always here to help. Seeking help can be really scary, but NPB Recovery can help you to achieve a happier and healthier life. You don’t have to face this battle alone. Reach out to our trusted professionals treatment center to start breaking free from the grip these substances have on you.
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