Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here
What Can I Do?


Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP
Continuing Education
Free online courses for addiction counselors LEARN ONLINE
Resources
Resources
Find useful publications, online documents & more.


DrugScreening.org


 

Cocaine, Meth Produce Different Highs
August 26, 2005

Share Share Email
Email
Print
Print
SubscribeSubscribe
Research Summary

Researchers say that the onset, pattern, and duration of the "highs" produced by cocaine and methamphetamine differ significantly -- findings that could have implications for development of anti-addiction medications.

The authors from the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA found that cocaine-using research subjects reported a quicker peak and decline of their "high" than methamphetamine users. The body's cardiovascular system responds quickly to both drugs, but physical responses to cocaine also decline more quickly than with meth use.

"These differences help explain patterns of use by addicts. Methamphetamine users, for instance, report using the drug daily throughout each day, while cocaine users typically engage in binges that occur most often in the evening," said lead study author Thomas F. Newton. "In addition, the study results may impact development of medication treatments for addiction to these two very different stimulants."

The study will be published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:

Comment:
(limit 200
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

  1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.

  2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).

  3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.