Simply put, pure amphetamine and street methamphetamine have differences in molecular structure, but similar side effects and highly addictive potential that often quickly spirals out of control. Many people confuse these two drugs because the names are similar, but they have molecular differences and are used differently, amphetamine salts are in Adderall, a drug used to treat ADHD. Methamphetamine has almost no clinical use and is most often consumed on the streets by drug dealers and it offers a more powerful and intense, addictive high. Due to the addictive properties and fatality rates, that makes methamphetamine treatment that much more important.
As we already said, when it comes to amphetamines and methamphetamines and their differences, many people tend to confuse the two because they are so similar. With so many different drugs being sold illegally and prescribed to patients, it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Let’s go over the differences between amphetamine and methamphetamine in more detail.
Knowing the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
While there are several different similarities between amphetamines and methamphetamines, there are also a few differences between the two. Amphetamines belong to a class of drugs known as stimulants. This includes medications such as Adderall and is prescribed by doctors to treat many different medical conditions. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is also a stimulant but is more often abused and is sold illegally on the streets. Methamphetamine is an illegal drug that is not regulated and is made with very dangerous ingredients and chemicals.
Meth is also in some cases, far and few between, man-made in an actual lab and prescribed in very low doses, but this seldom happens as the effects of meth are more toxic and last significantly longer. This is due to the molecular difference between amphetamines and methamphetamines. Methamphetamines molecular difference allows this kind of drug to enter the blood-brain barrier at a much quicker rate.
Amphetamine vs. Methamphetamine and Side Effects
Meth and amphetamine do have similar side effects, but they also have many different side effects that can range in severity depending on the level of abuse and addiction. Amphetamine abuse is typically less severe, but the side effects can be just as dangerous as methamphetamines. Common side effects of amphetamine abuse include:
- Stomach aches and nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in your blood pressure
- Blurred vision
- Restricted blood flow within the body
Methamphetamine Has Greater Potential For Health Risks
Methamphetamines and create intense and potentially dangerous side effects on the body. Just like amphetamines, meth is also a central nervous system stimulant, but its side effects are more severe because they break through the blood barrier in such a way that amphetamines cannot. Also, methampetamine is often injected intravenously or smoked which brings its own set of side effects that can destroy the users health. Some of the most common side effects of methamphetamine abuse include:
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Changes in mood
- Anxiety and depression
- Extreme weight loss
- Overdose
- Stomach aches and nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in your blood pressure
- Blurred vision
- Restricted blood flow within the body
Different studies can agree that taking either amphetamines or methamphetamines can both directly impact and change the chemical makeup of your brain. All might seem good at first and you might believe that your mood and demeanor have improved, but eventually, all of that will change. That is because both drugs cause an extremely high amount of dopamine to release in your brain. Over time, your brain will be unable to produce enough dopamine to keep up. This will lead to physical and mental dependence as well as a series of different mental health problems.
On-Call Treatment – Amphetamine Addiction Help When You Need It
Abuse and addiction to both amphetamines and methamphetamines are very dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. Prescription and illegal stimulants are among the most “popular” drugs that are abused, but they will cause a noticeable deterioration to both your physical appearance and your mental health. Using either of these stimulants may start harmless, but it will lead you down a dark road before you know it.
Finding the right substance abuse treatment program is vitally important to your recovery. Addiction is a difficult thing to face, but the affect they have on your body and mind are not worth the short high they produce. The rewards you will discover as a result of getting sober will be more than your wildest dreams. If you are ready to turn your life around, you don’t have to wait any longer. Now is the time to change your life. Evoke Waltham is here to help you on your path to sobriety.
