Difference Between Cocaine and Caffeine

Cocaine vs Caffeine

Cocaine and caffeine are both stimulants. Although the two stimulate the nerves, they are different in many aspects. One of the main differences is that one is legal and the other one is illegal. While cocaine is illegal, caffeine is legal.

Cocaine and caffeine are derived from two different sources. Cocaine, which is a crystalline tropane, is derived from coca plant leaves. On the other hand, caffeine is present in coffee, tea and chocolate.

Another noticeable difference is that cocaine is a mind-altering substance, whereas caffeine is not such a substance. Unlike caffeine, cocaine is a more potent drug.

Both caffeine and cocaine signals the mind to release adrenaline, and creates a pleasant feeling, but the difference with cocaine is that it not only creates a pleasant feeling but also gives an outright feeling of euphoria.

Though cocaine and caffeine are harmful to the body, cocaine is considered to be extremely detrimental. The effects of cocaine can lead to many complications, and can be even fatal. On the other hand, caffeine is not that detrimental.

Another thing that can be seen is that people become addicted to both cocaine and caffeine once they start to use it. However, it has been seen that people using cocaine find it hard to get out of this addiction.

Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid, which comes in a white crystalline form. The name comes from kaffein, a chemical found in coffee. Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid, which also comes in crystalline form. The name has come from coca and alkaloid; suffix -ine.

While caffeine is readily available in chocolates, coffee and tea, cocaine is presently available mainly in white crystalline powder and crack.

Well, cocaine cultivation and distribution is illegal for non-medicinal purposes.

Summary:

1. Cocaine is illegal, whereas caffeine is legal. Cocaine cultivation and distribution is illegal for non-medicinal purposes.

2. Cocaine is derived from coca plant leaves. On the other hand, caffeine is present in coffee, tea and chocolate.

3. UUnlike caffeine, cocaine is a more potent drug; cocaine is a mind-altering substance, whereas caffeine is not.

4. Unlike caffeine, cocaine is considered to be extremely detrimental, and the effects can lead to many complications, and even can be fatal.

5. The name caffeine comes from kaffein, a chemical found in coffee. Cocaine comes from coca and alkaloid; suffix -ine.

6. Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid, which comes in a white crystalline form. Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid, which also comes in crystalline form.