Methamphetamine and amphetamine are both stimulants that have medicinal uses. However, they are often used recreationally. It is possible to become addicted to these substances. If you or someone you love are addicted to methamphetamine or amphetamine, you should contact a drug addiction treatment center in Plantation, Florida.
Methamphetamine vs Amphetamine
Amphetamines are a stimulants. Technically, the methamphetamine vs amphetamine debate is a bit misleading, because methamphetamine is a type of amphetamine. When amphetamines are mentioned, it’s usually referring to prescription amphetamines, which are not as strong as methamphetamine.
Common Amphetamines
Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD, and occasionally for weight loss and narcolepsy. Given in therapeutic doses, they improve thinking, concentration, and reaction time. They also promote wakefulness and decrease appetite.
However, when taken in larger doses or without a prescription, they can cause serious effects. They may slow cognitive function, impact your brain’s production of dopamine, and cause nerve damage.
Common prescription amphetamines are:
- Adderal
- Vyvanse
- Concerta
- Ritalin
Prescription Methamphetamine
In terms of the strength of methamphetamine vs amphetamine, methamphetamine is stronger and not prescribed as frequently. Desoxyn is a prescription form of methamphetamine. However, the risk of addiction is higher, so the drug isn’t prescribed as frequently. Doses begin at 5 mg and can be increase up to 25 mg a day.
Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine
An amphetamine high will usually last between 2-12 hours. The effects will usually peak within two hours. The high from methamphetamine will last 8-12 hours. This contributes to the addiction potential. It is easy for an addict to remain high on the drug. When you do come down, you can experience severe depression in addition to being faced with the problems you were trying to escape. This often leads addicts to use again, creating a vicious cycle. Over time, you may lose the ability to function well without the drug,
When it comes to side effects, there are some key differences in methamphetamine vs amphetamine. The biggest difference isn’t in the potential side effects themselves, but in the likelihood and severity of the effects.
Potential side effects of both drugs include:
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Weight loss
- Feeling of unreality
- Depression
- Quickly shifting moods
Some of the most concerning effects are psychological. Delusions, paranoia, aggression, feelings of unreality, quick mood changes, and depression can be dangerous not only for the person experiencing them, but for those around them as well.
Addiction Potential
When it comes to the addiction potential of amphetamine vs methamphetamine, methamphetamine can be much more addictive. Both are Schedule Two substances, which means that while they do have legitimate medical uses, there is a high risk of addiction and abuse. Opiates like Morphine are also in this drug class.
Amphetamines release the brain’s feel good chemical, dopamine. In the case of methamphetamine, a lot of dopamine releases very quickly. The speed of the high contributes to the addiction, because your brain quickly associates the drug with the feeling of euphoria. How Addiction Starts
No one wakes up one morning with the intention of becoming an addict. Many people who become addicted to amphetamines start taking them to enhance their performance. Amphetamines allow you to keep going with little to no sleep. They can improve concentration. Give you more energy. Today’s society encourages productivity and performance, and many people feel that pressure so strongly that they will take great risks to keep up.
You may also begin taking them for stress relief. Amphetamines produce a sense of euphoria. It causes the release of dopamine, which is your brain’s reward chemical. This makes you feel relaxed and happy, regardless of your problems. It’s easy to forget about your issues and just enjoy yourself when using amphetamines.
Lastly, some people begin with a legitimate prescription for amphetamines. They may have a condition like ADHD. However, at some point they start using more of the drug than they are prescribed, likely due to stress, a desire for enhanced performance, or simply because they developed a tolerance.
Help at Atlantic Recovery Center
If you are abusing methamphetamine vs amphetamine, you need to seek treatment. You have likely realized that what once seemed like the perfect solution has now become a very big problem. Because of their effects on your brain both physically and psychologically, you will need professional help to recover. You may battle depression, anxiety, or have a difficult time distinguishing reality. Call us today at 1-866-824-5193.