For many Americans, Adderall and meth are two very different drugs. One is an FDA-approved and tested medication for those with ADHD that has allowed millions to focus, excel in work, school, or other pursuits, and ultimately thrive. Meth is a growing public health crisis in the United States as the illicit drug destroys communities and takes lives in both urban and rural settings. But is Adderall like meth? The truth is there are similarities and differences.
Women’s Recovery in Colorado understands addiction. If you or a loved one are in need of Adderall addiction rehab in Colorado, please call 833.754.0554. Our compassionate and professional staff is ready to answer any questions or help you get started on the road toward recovery.
What Is Adderall? Is Adderall Like Meth?
Adderall is a brand of prescription drug designed for those with ADHD and patients with narcolepsy. Ritalin is the other brand-name prescription drug that is similar and used for the same purpose. Adderall contains the stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse and addiction, this powerful stimulant drug is a Schedule II controlled substance. If Adderall is taken as prescribed by someone who legitimately has ADHD, it’s been proven to be extremely helpful. They experience a greater focus when managing tasks, and risky behavior is reduced.
It is important to note that Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are not the same as methamphetamine. While they all belong to the same drug class of stimulants, they are chemically different. Adderall is not methamphetamine, but the potential for abuse of any stimulant is always present.
Does Adderall Contain Meth?
No, Adderall does not contain methamphetamine. It contains amphetamines, which are in the same drug class but have different chemical structures and effects on the body. It is essential to use any medication, including Adderall, as prescribed by a doctor and to never take someone else’s prescription.
What Happens When Adderall Is Abused?
Recreational abuse of Adderall has grown in popularity over the past decade. There are many ways people without ADHD can get the drug. Some patients with ADHD are willing to sell their Adderall pills for extra cash. There is also a risk of being misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD. In this case, the patient is given a steady prescription for a drug they don’t need. Adderall abuse can cause adverse effects and lead to overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include the following:
- Hyperventilation
- Abnormalities in the heart rhythm
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Confusion or delirium
- Vertigo
- Panic attacks
- Coma
Long-term usage in those who don’t have ADHD can lead to tolerance and then dependence. They will need more Adderall to get the same effects, and their body will rely on having Adderall in their system to function properly. This leads to addiction, which includes seeking Adderall out, chronic drug use, and continued use despite the problems it causes in one’s life.
Is Adderall the Same as Meth?
As stated, Adderall contains stimulants—amphetamines—but not methamphetamine. The effects of Adderall and meth share similarities, but they are also quite different.
Effects of Meth
Meth is an illicit drug used only recreationally to get high. Although Adderall can be addictive like meth, it does have legitimate medical uses for ADHD patients. Meth affects the brain much faster and is far more potent. The effects include euphoria, a feeling of invincibility, and users report experiencing greater energy and alertness. Side effects are similar to Adderall but are more severe and potent. These side effects are both short and long-term and include the following:
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Paranoia
- Brain structure and function alterations
- Inability to control thinking or motor skills
- Easily distracted
- Inability to sleep
- Loss of memory
- Violence or aggression
- May become depressed
- Deterioration of teeth
- Extreme weight loss
- Addiction
Clearly, the differences far outweigh the similarities. To put it more plainly, if an Adderall patient had their medicine swapped for methamphetamine, they would notice immediately, as would most people around them.
Effects of Adderall
Adderall can cause various negative side effects even when taken as prescribed. There is a significant risk when people misuse Adderall. Misuse can include crushing and snorting the pills, taking larger doses than prescribed, or using them in ways other than how they are meant to be taken. Some of these adverse effects include:
- Heart rhythm alterations
- Cardiac arrest
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Chest pains or shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Dizziness and confusion
- Adderall addiction
When taken as prescribed, Adderall is a safe and effective medication primarily used by people with ADHD. Like any drug, it can be intentionally misused, leading to addiction and dependency. While some effects of Adderall may be similar to meth, they are not the same.
Reach Out to Women’s Recovery for Adderall and Meth Addiction Treatment
Meth and Adderall share similarities because they are both stimulants. Adderall is a legally prescribed medication used primarily to treat ADHD but can mimic some effects of meth when misused. Meth is an illicit street drug used recreationally without any medical purpose. It cannot be substituted for Adderall, for example. However, people can and do become addicted and dependent on both Adderall and meth, so the need for professional stimulant addiction treatment has never been greater. See how our outpatient programs can help you overcome addiction.
Women’s Recovery helps women with substance use disorders overcome their addictions and move toward a life of recovery. Call 833.754.0554 or contact us online for information about our outpatient treatment programs.
