April 4, 2023Tyler Collins
We’ve all heard of methamphetamine, the dangerous stimulant drug commonly referred to as meth. But what about Adderall? It has become common knowledge that many college students are imbibing themselves with it in order to stay up and study late into the night.
But is this actually legal meth? Is Adderall a form of methamphetamine, or something different entirely?
In this blog post, we’ll attempt to answer these questions and get clear on how exactly Adderall works compared to meth. By the end of this blog, you’ll know the difference between these two drugs and what the implications of using each one are.
Is Adderall Meth?
No, Adderall is not Meth. While Adderall and methamphetamine are both central nervous system stimulants and they both contain amphetamine, they are not the same substance. They are different drugs with each having a different chemical structure.
Adderall is a prescription drug that is FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall works by stimulating certain areas of the brain to increase focus and alertness. While methamphetamine is an illicit drug that is highly addictive and can cause serious health issues when used over long periods.
The Difference Between Adderall and Methamphetamine
Adderall is a drug which is a mixture of amphetamine salts. It contains two stimulants — amphetamine and dextroamphetamine — which work together to boost focus and alertness in people with ADHD or narcolepsy. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the latter lasting up to 12 hours.
The side effects of Adderall include a boost in focus, energy, and alertness. This is why many students misuse it as a study drug. Other side effects include dry mouth, loss of appetite, and insomnia.
When used as prescribed, Adderall has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD. However, abusing Adderall or using the drug for purposes not intended medically also carries a risk for drug addiction.
Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is an illicit drug that produces powerful stimulating effects on the central nervous system when taken recreationally or abused. It works by releasing dopamine and norepinephrine into the brain, which increases alertness and focus.
While Adderall is also addictive, meth has a much higher potential for abuse and addiction. Even low doses of meth can lead to severe physical and psychological problems. These effects include paranoia, memory loss, aggressive behavior, organ damage, heart attacks, and strokes. High doses of meth may even lead to death due to overdose or stroke-related complications.
Adderall and Meth Addiction
Drug addiction involving Adderall and meth can occur when either drug is taken in higher doses than recommended or for a longer duration of time than medically prescribed.
For example, many college students may use Adderall without a prescription to help them stay up late and study, potentially leading to an addiction. Suddenly stopping meth or Adderall can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Likewise, meth users may develop an addiction due to the intense highs and stimulating effects of the drug. Since meth is illegal, the manufacturing is done in an uncontrolled environment, leading to a higher risk of the drug being contaminated with other dangerous substances. Therefore, using meth is not only highly illegal but it can also be extremely hazardous to one’s health.
Fake Adderall is also another factor to consider when discussing drug addiction involving meth and Adderall. Fake or counterfeit Adderall contains potent substances like fentanyl instead of the actual active ingredients, making it hard for users to know if they are using real medication or a dangerous substance.
Both drugs, when abused, can cause serious physical and psychological health problems, so it’s important to be aware of their potential dangers before using.
Taking Adderall Responsibly
It’s important to remember that just because a drug like Adderall does not carry the same risks as methamphetamine, it doesn’t mean it cannot be dangerous when misused or abused. Taking too much of any medication, even if it’s prescribed by your doctor, can result in serious side effects including insomnia, elevated blood pressure, increased risk of heart attacks/strokes, addiction, psychosis as well as other physical/mental health disorders.
If you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms after taking an appropriate dose of medications like Adderall, please contact your healthcare provider right away to discuss options.
For substance abuse issues, you can call the Lighthouse Treatment Center for help. We can provide you with the resources, support, and guidance needed to help overcome an addiction. Call us today to get started on your recovery journey.
