Drug use is somewhat prevalent in the United Kingdom, and substance use disorders can come in a variety of forms. Superficially, some drugs may look similar to each other, and they may even be administered in similar ways. They may even have similar social and legal consequences. But, these similarities may be superficial at best, and there may be major differences in their overall effects. Heroin and cocaine are two highly addictive drugs, but what are the differences between cocaine and heroin?
Regardless of their similarities and differences, Liberty Home is prepared to help people overcome the use of cocaine as well as heroin addiction.
Similarities Between Cocaine and Heroin
Heroin and cocaine share some similarities. They’re both highly addictive drugs that come in powder form. Both drugs can affect the brain’s reward system, which can lead to dependence and eventual tolerance. Both can have major physical and mental health consequences, such as organ damage and cardiovascular problems.
Both drugs are also highly illegal to manufacture, distribute, and even possess. Depending on the exact variant of cocaine or heroin, they can even be consumed in similar ways. People can smoke, snort, or even inject either substance. The injection of these substances can lead to HIV or hepatitis B because many people who use these drugs often share needles, which facilitates the spread of infectious diseases.
Both heroin use and cocaine use can also lead to impaired judgment, which can lead to people who are using either or both substances engaging in risky or otherwise unsafe behaviours.
Both drugs can also lead to withdrawal symptoms when a person is unable to take either drug for whatever reason. This is because a person can become mentally and physically dependent on either drug or even both of them, which means that their presence is the body’s baseline.
Most troublingly, both drugs can induce a sense of euphoria or a high that can make a person who uses want more and more, leading to addiction. Both drugs can also lead to tolerance, which means that the effects of drug use are dulled. This can lead to a person taking more of the drug, increasing the risk of overdose.
Differences Between Cocaine and Heroin
While heroin and cocaine share similarities, such as how dangerous and addictive they can be, there are also significant differences between the two of them. Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the coca plant and increases alertness and energy. Heroin is an opiate that is synthesised from morphine and can induce relaxation.
Cocaine essentially speeds up the body and makes a person more restless. An opioid like heroin has the exact opposite effect and slows down the body to give a person a deep sense of being relaxed.
The effects that drug users experience also vary. The effects of cocaine may wear off after half an hour. The use of heroin, however, can lead to effects that can last for a few hours.
Overdose is a risk for both heroin and cocaine. However, the ways that an overdose affects a person can be different. In cocaine, a person may experience heart-related effects such as cardiac arrest. Overdosing on heroin will generally involve respiratory depression.
Harmful Effects of Cocaine
Cocaine can lead to numerous harmful effects. Physically, because cocaine is often snorted up the nose, it can cause nasal damage and lead to frequent nosebleeds and runny noses. It can also damage the septum, which can result in the nose collapsing into itself, making it resemble a saddle.
Because cocaine is a stimulant, long-term cocaine abuse can lead to cardiovascular problems such as chronic heart disease or hypertension. It can also result in liver and kidney damage.
Many people who become addicted to cocaine can also develop long-term mental health troubles such as anxiety and depression. They may also experience dramatic weight loss as a result of their drug use.
A variant of cocaine known as crack cocaine is typically smoked. This can lead to respiratory and dental problems. Cocaine is also a relatively expensive drug, so many users may often feel financial strain as a result of their addiction.
Harmful Effects of Heroin
Using heroin often leads to negative consequences. It can lead to slowed breathing, which can lead to a lack of oxygen. It can also lead to an irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure. Long-term heroin use can also lead to depression and anxiety.
Heroin also weakens a person’s immune system, which can make a person more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Many people who use meth can also neglect self-care, including eating. This can result in weight loss and malnutrition.
Treatment Options for Substance Use
Regardless of whether a person is addicted to heroin, cocaine, or both, there are treatment options available to help a person stop their drug use. These treatment options include:
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person identify the thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to drug use and replace them with healthier alternatives, thus helping a person reduce their compulsion to use drugs.
Inpatient Care
Inpatient care can offer a person a safe and secure environment wherein they can receive intensive treatment to address drug addiction. In a residential treatment facility, they will be in a controlled environment wherein they have no access to drugs, and they will be given a personalised treatment plan to help them meet their treatment goals.
Sober Living
Sober living can be an essential part of recovery. In a sober living home, a person will be in a facility that is more akin to a house. While in that home, they will have to abide by house rules. Sober living programmes can be an important part of treatment as they can help a person rediscover their independence while continuing to receive support to help them continue to be sober.
You Can Recover with Care and Support
Many people find that using drugs can have a detrimental impact on their lives. Whether the drug is cocaine, heroin, or something else, addiction can ruin lives. But those lives can be rebuilt with care and support. Contact us if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
