Amphetamines vs. Methamphetamines: The Basic Differences

Found in college libraries or on the street, amphetamines and methamphetamines both share a poignant commonality: they’re both powerful, addictive stimulant drugs that come with their own side effects. It’s essential to understand the implications of each class of drugs and the health and legal consequences of both. Learn the facts about amphetamines and methamphetamines below.

The Basics of Amphetamines

Amphetamines are potent stimulant drugs that speed up communication between the brain and body, and they are only legal when prescribed by a doctor. Stimulant-classified prescription drugs, such as Ritalin, Vyvanse, Adderall, Dexedrine and other ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) medications, as well as drugs that treat narcolepsy, are considered amphetamines.

How Amphetamines Affect Your Body and Brain

Amphetamines work by stimulating the central nervous system to increase alertness, focus, and concentration while decreasing fatigue. They also enhance the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. When users are not prescribed the medication and/or when it is overused, amphetamines can create dangerous side effects. Nearly 13% of U.S. college students use amphetamines, whether prescribed or not. These “study drugs” can become addictive, especially when students are stressed trying to cram for their classes.

Though they can be beneficial for short-term use for some, amphetamines carry many side effects, including:

What are Methamphetamines?

Known as street drugs, methamphetamines are illicit drugs that are typically referred to by their street names — crystal meth, crank and ice. They can be injected into the body, snorted or smoked and usually consist of a mix of amphetamines with toxic household substances, such as battery acid, paint thinner, or lighter fluid. These toxic chemicals are dangerous for the body and have negative psychological effects psychologically. In most contexts, they lack legal medical use and should be avoided at all costs.

How Methamphetamines Affect Your Body and Brain

The first effects of the drug upon using it delivers a power rush, increasing energy and confidence in the user. However, when the drug wears off, known as a meth crash, users may feel lethargic, get cravings, have insomnia, become confused, or experience anxiety. Methamphetamines are highly addictive, and their physical and psychological effects can be far more dangerous than amphetamines. Long-term methamphetamine use can create dental decay, premature aging, psychosis, liver failure, cardiac arrest and cognitive issues.

Key Differences Between Amphetamines and Methamphetamines

Although amphetamines and methamphetamines are both stimulant drugs, there are significant differences between the two. It’s important to assess what class of drugs your loved one is addicted to in order to best treat it.

Medical Value

Amphetamines are prescribed to millions of children, adolescents, and adults who experience ADHD or narcolepsy. For most, these prescription drugs help patients stay awake and focused. These are controlled by a doctor’s prescription.

There is only one approved prescription medication in the United States that contains methamphetamine, Desoxyn. It is monitored closely and prescribed sparingly by healthcare providers. All other methamphetamines are illegal and are typically found as street drugs, and can become addictive immediately. For illicit use, they’re dangerous for both your physical and psychological health.

Legal Status

Amphetamines, when prescribed by a doctor, are legal to use. With the exception of Desoxyn, methamphetamines are illegal in the United States and can lead to more illicit behavior.

Chemical Structures

Although similar, the molecular structure of amphetamines and methamphetamines are a bit different:

• Amphetamines: C9H13N

• Methamphetamines: C10H15N

Amphetamines are more mild than methamphetamines, which are considered a powerful stimulant created in meth labs, completely unregulated. They’re often mixed with toxic household items that can cause major health concerns.

Risks of Addiction

Both amphetamines and methamphetamines can be addictive. However, methamphetamine use disorder develops more quickly than an addiction to amphetamines. This could result from its more powerful effect on dopamine transporters, which leads to a greater release of dopamine in the central nervous system, giving users that “high” they crave. Meth addiction is far more common than amphetamine addiction.

Health Risks and Safety Concerns

There are health problem risks for both amphetamine and methamphetamine use. It’s important to familiarize yourself so you can pick up on any concerning signs demonstrated by a loved one.

Short-Term Health Risks

Methamphetamines

Illicit drug use always comes with negative consequences. Short-term effects of meth use include:

Amphetamines

Prescription amphetamines or non-prescribed use can cause:

Long-Term Health Risks

Methamphetamines

The dangerous long-term effects of methamphetamines can include:

Amphetamines

Aside from dependence that can form with stimulant use, prolonged use can lead to:

Signs of an Amphetamine or Methamphetamine Overdose

If you believe someone you see or a loved one has overdosed on stimulants, call 911 immediately. These are the signs to look out for:

How Caron Can Help

At Caron Treatment Centers, our experienced and compassionate staff provides comprehensive treatment options for individuals struggling with amphetamine use and methamphetamine use disorder. We offer a continuum of care that includes detoxification, medical stabilization, intensive residential treatment, outpatient treatment, aftercare services and more. View our treatment programs and contact us to discuss your options.