Amphetamine vs. Methamphetamine: What’s the Difference?

Amphetamines and methamphetamines are both strong stimulant drugs that impact the central nervous system, yet they have distinct differences in their effects and potential for misuse. While both substances serve legitimate medical purposes, they also pose significant health risks, including the possibility of addiction. As stimulants, they elevate certain brain chemicals, enhancing alertness, attention, energy, and physical activity. Additionally, they can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. The main difference between amphetamine vs methamphetamine drugs are their potency and potential for abuse.

Understanding the differences between amphetamines and methamphetamines is crucial for understanding their impact on the central nervous system and the risks associated with drug misuse and mental health. Amphetamines are often prescribed for various conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When used as directed, they can be safe and significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by these disorders. However, there is a risk of misuse, particularly among college students and night shift workers who may take them to prolong wakefulness, which can result in dependence and addiction. In contrast, methamphetamines are primarily used illicitly and are known for their high potential for addiction. Their consumption can lead to serious health complications, including elevated body temperature, heart failure, and severe psychological issues.

What’s the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine?

According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, amphetamines are prescribed for managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. These medications function by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which aids in improving focus, attention, and alertness. They are considered a first-line treatment for ADHD in both adults and children aged six and older, with prescribed dosages ranging from 5 mg to 40 mg daily. While they are effective when used as directed, there is a risk of misuse and addiction.

The difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine lies in their legality and potency. While methamphetamine is often found in illegal forms, it can occasionally be prescribed for conditions like ADHD and obesity. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine is a lab-made synthetic stimulant with a high potential for addiction. Commonly referred to as “meth,” this substance shares a chemical structure with amphetamines but is much more powerful, posing a greater risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Both drugs promote dopamine release in the brain, but methamphetamine does so to a far greater degree, resulting in a faster and more intense euphoric experience. Illegal meth production typically involves over-the-counter medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, combined with hazardous chemicals in secretive labs. Due to its unique chemical structure, which includes an extra methyl group, methamphetamine is not only more potent but also has a longer-lasting effect compared to amphetamines. This structure allows it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, leading to a more significant and enduring impact on the central nervous system. Methamphetamine can also be more toxic due to the hazardous substances used to make it which can lead to more severe long-term damage to both the brain and body compared to amphetamines.

How Are Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Similar?

Amphetamines and methamphetamines share a similar chemical structure and fall under the category of phenethylamines, both acting as stimulant drugs that impact the central nervous system. These substances boost the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, resulting in heightened alertness, increased energy, and feelings of euphoria. They also elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular issues. This combination of effects contributes to their recreational use. In terms of legality, both amphetamines and methamphetamines are classified as Schedule II substances, indicating a significant potential for abuse and addiction. While they do have legitimate medical applications, methamphetamines are less frequently prescribed due to their higher addiction risk.

Although methamphetamines can lead to addiction more readily, both drugs foster addiction through similar mechanisms. Their strong influence on the brain’s reward system drives individuals to seek out these substances repeatedly to relive the pleasurable effects. This pattern can result in tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same results, and dependence, which brings about severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Various factors, including genetics and environmental influences, contribute to the development of stimulant use disorders.

The long-term consequences of abusing amphetamines and methamphetamines on both the body and brain are alike, with risks including addiction, cognitive decline, psychosis, and cardiovascular complications. However, methamphetamine abuse can lead to more extreme outcomes, such as severe dental issues commonly known as “meth mouth” when smoked. Amphetamine vs methamphetamine recovery is possible but difficult, requiring professional help that addresses both physical and psychological dependence. Methamphetamine addiction can be more difficult to treat and may have a longer process.

What Is Amphetamine Drug Used For?

Amphetamines are often prescribed for a range of conditions and can be safe for long-term use when taken as directed by a healthcare professional. They are primarily used to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is defined by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as noted by the National Institute of Mental Health. These medications work by enhancing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, leading to improved information processing and a reduction in ADHD symptoms.

Additionally, amphetamines are effective in treating narcolepsy, a neurological condition marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness, and sleep attacks. By stimulating brain chemicals that promote alertness and arousal, stimulants can help individuals combat daytime drowsiness. Furthermore, while amphetamines have been utilized in some instances for weight loss and obesity treatment, their use for this purpose has declined due to concerns over potential side effects and the risk of misuse.

What Brand of Drugs Are Amphetamine?

Meth vs amphetamine drugs are distinct substances, primarily because amphetamines are typically available only through prescriptions. One of the most recognized amphetamines is Adderall, which is effective for managing ADHD but is frequently misused, especially by college students who share their prescriptions to pull all-nighters for studying. Other notable brand names include Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamphetamine). On the other hand, prescription methamphetamine is marketed as Desoxyn, a stronger stimulant than Adderall, and is prescribed for more severe cases of ADHD and narcolepsy.

Contact Muse Treatment to Learn More About Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine Addiction

Amphetamine vs methamphetamine addiction necessitates distinct treatment strategies, primarily because methamphetamine can exert a more intense hold on individuals. It’s crucial to recognize that both forms of addiction can profoundly impact a person’s physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall life satisfaction, requiring a holistic approach to treatment. At Muse Treatment, we offer customized treatment programs designed to tackle the root causes of addiction and any co-occurring disorders commonly associated with long-term meth use. Our goal is to equip patients with the essential skills and resources needed for sustained sobriety, complemented by ongoing support.

We provide a full spectrum of care, including detoxification for both methamphetamine and amphetamine, featuring 24/7 medical supervision and medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Our patients benefit from a variety of evidence-based therapies, medication management, support group sessions, relapse prevention strategies, and holistic methods that address the multifaceted effects of addiction on the body, mind, and spirit. A thorough initial assessment by our team of addiction specialists will help create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your recovery goals.

For more information about treatment options for amphetamine vs methamphetamine addiction at Muse Treatment, contact us today at 800-426-1818.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine – Amphetamine
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Methamphetamine  
• National Institute of Mental Health – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)