Methamphetamine vs Adderall
Methamphetamines and Adderall are both stimulant drugs. They both fall under the stimulant amphetamine drug family. Stimulant amphetamine drugs such as Adderall and meth are common drugs prescribed to treat neurodivergent disorders such as ADHD, to help people stabilize restless thought patterns as well as improve concentration and focus. Meth and Adderall are chemically similar in structure. They are often referred to as cousins.
The diagnosis of mental health conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased along with the frequency and volume of prescriptions for ADHD medications such as Adderall and in some cases, legal forms of meth. Because of this upward trend, there is an increase in the potential for users to misuse the drug and develop dependence and addiction. Stimulant drugs are very potent and even when using medications such as Adderall per the recommended dose, the drug can still pose a risk for misuse. It is especially prevalent in those who use the stimulant recreationally.
Amphetamines like meth and Adderall have become some of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the US. Adderall is an amphetamine that is very similar in structure to methamphetamine. They produce similar results and side effects. However, methamphetamine has been clinically proven to be more problematic and addictive compared to other stimulant amphetamines.
What is Methamphetamine?
Meth is an amphetamine stimulant drug that is mostly made and sold illegally and misused as a recreational drug. When illicitly manufactured and sold, meth can be very dangerous. There is often no way of knowing what other harmful ingredients and/or substances may be found in the meth mixture or the exact dosage of the drug. Desoxyn is the only legal meth product on the market and is used to treat symptoms of ADHD under strict and controlled clinical supervision. The brand name prescription is produced under FDA regulations.
Side effects of meth include tooth decay, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, sweating, mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, inability to control thinking or motor skills, easily distracted, memory loss, violence or aggression and addiction.
The majority of meth users obtain meth illicitly for recreational use.
In 2016, more than three times as many people sought out meth addiction treatment compared to rehab for all other prescription stimulants combined. In general, meth is a more dangerous stimulant drug compared to Adderall. The majority of meth is produced and manufactured illegally with no restrictions. It is more likely to contain other contaminants and toxic chemicals that can cause harm. And it is more likely to be abused recreationally. Meth is also more commonly associated with long-term health issues such as the development or worsening of mental health disorders and the development or worsening of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a common medication used in the treatment of ADHD. It is a stimulant drug that works on the central nervous system to modify specific chemical activities in the brain. It is safe and effective when used per the recommendation of a medical provider. However, because Adderall is a stimulant, there is still a slight potential for abuse. This has deterred some people from using the drug because they fear it might produce the same negative and dangerous outcomes as meth. Though meth and Adderall may share similar properties, they are still different substances. If an Adderall patient had their medication swapped for meth, they would be able to notice a difference immediately. This is because Adderall does not produce side effects at the same intensity as meth.
Side effects of Adderall use include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, reduced appetite, headache, anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, psychosis, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, heart rhythm alterations and cardiac arrest.
Adderall can help a user improve attention, improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviors. The majority of Adderall users obtain the stimulant through a prescription and use it recreationally to enhance personal, professional, athletic or social performance.
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Methamphetamine vs Adderall
Methamphetamine
- Schedule II controlled substance and central nervous system stimulant
- Can produce a euphoric high when taken at high doses
- Increases the synaptic availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which contributes to stimulating effects
- Meth contains an additional methyl group in its chemical structure that allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier more quickly and easily and leads to more intensified central nervous system effects
- Can be prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and obesity weight loss
- Half-life of around 5 hours
- Street names include Chalk, Ice and Crystal Glass
- Crystal meth is a very potent version of meth that is the most addictive of all the amphetamines
- Meth comes in the form of pills, powder or crystal-like rocks
- Meth can be swallowed, snorted, injected or smoked
- The potency of meth is often unknown when dealing with illicitly manufactured street drugs
- According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a survey found more than 14 million people misused meth in 2016.
- Meth is cheaper and more widely available on the illicit market
Adderall
- Schedule II controlled substance and central nervous system stimulant
- Can produce a euphoric high when taken at high doses
- Increases the synaptic availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which contributes to stimulating effects
- Adderall is a combination of four different types of amphetamine salts
- Prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy
- Half-life is around 34 hours
- Street names include Addy, Beans and Black Beauties
- Adderall is often abused for appetite suppression and weight loss, increased alertness and heightened concentration
- Adderall comes in the form of pills
- Adderall can be swallowed, snorted or injected
- Adderall is available in different potencies including immediate-release and extended-release formulations
- According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a survey found that around 5 million people misused amphetamine-based products such as Adderall in 2016
- Adderall is a little more expensive and not as widely available on the illicit market
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Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder
Methamphetamine and Adderall are both stimulant drugs with the potential for abuse. When researched and compared, findings show the effects of both stimulants are very similar and cause similar effects. However, the slight chemical difference between the two makes meth more likely to cause drug abuse compared to Adderall. There are also higher reporter rates of meth abuse compared to Adderall abuse. Because both are potent central nervous system stimulants, treatment for addiction can be difficult. Professional behavioral treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide effective substance use disorder treatment.
We offer care at all levels including detox, inpatient residential, partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program. We utilize evidence-proven methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, group therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea specializes in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. We are dedicated to helping our clients reach their goals for recovery and overcoming their addiction.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/how-do-adderall-and-meth-methamphetamine-differ
https://www.drugs.com/compare/adderall-vs-methamphetamine
https://www.womensrecovery.com/womens-rehab-blog/adderall-really-meth
https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/crystal-meth/meth-vs-adderall
https://www.floridarehab.com/drugs/meth/meth-vs-adderall
https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/are-there-similarities-between-meth-and-adderall/