660,000 Canadians over the age of 15 report having used a stimulant over the past year. Sadly, 37% of these people say their use of stimulants is problematic. Some of the most commonly used stimulants are amphetamines. Amphetamines include prescription drugs like Vyvanse and Adderall. Methamphetamine is also a type of amphetamine. Yet, most people do not understand the difference when it comes to amphetamines vs methamphetamines.
Do you or a loved one use amphetamines? If so, continue reading this guide to better understand these drugs’ adverse effects. Inside this short guide, we also share tips on how to get clean and add life to your days.
What Is Amphetamine?
Amphetamines are a class of drugs that include prescription stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin) as well as illegal methamphetamine.
Doctors prescribe amphetamines to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Narcolepsy and obesity are also conditions that prescription amphetamines can help treat.
People also use amphetamines illicitly. Prescription amphetamine abuse is common among college students who use these stimulants illegally as a study aid. Some people also abuse amphetamines for their sleep- and appetite-suppressing effects.
Prescription amphetamines come in pill form. People who abuse amphetamines more frequently snort, inject, or even smoke crushed amphetamine pills. However, prescription amphetamine is different from street methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine is an illegal drug. We will tell you more about it next, so keep reading.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a type of amphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, and it is a stimulant drug with a high potential for abuse. Meth is a street drug not currently available as a prescription medication.
However, meth was available in prescription form from 1930 onward. Doctors prescribed methamphetamines to treat a wide range of conditions, including asthma, obesity, and childhood hyperactivity.
The United States banned prescription methamphetamines in 1971, and Canada followed soon after that. Meth’s intense stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) is the primary reason for these bans.
Methamphetamine use comes with the following symptoms:
- Increased alertness
- Increased energy
- Excitement
- Euphoria (a “high”)
- Hallucinations
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Increased breathing rate
The drug causes these symptoms because of its effects on the brain. Meth acts on neurotransmitters, which are similar to hormones. The primary function of neurotransmitters is to exchange messages between brain cells.
Methamphetamine increases concentrations of neurotransmitters called dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin. Each of these chemicals produces a specific effect.
For example, dopamine is often called the “happy” chemical. It plays a role in feeling satisfied and motivated. More dopamine in the brain increases these feelings, while less dopamine decreases them.
On the other hand, norepinephrine and epinephrine play roles in the fight-or-flight response. Increases in these chemicals can lead to feelings of alertness. When flooding the nervous system for too long, they can cause increased stress.
Serotonin primarily plays a role in our moods. Like dopamine, increased serotonin makes us feel good. Some researchers theorize that people with depression may have reduced levels of this chemical in their brains.
How Meth Is Made
Criminals make methamphetamines in laboratories. Some ingredients used to make meth are accessible over-the-counter (OTC). For example, pseudoephedrine is a meth ingredient found in OTC cold medications.
Meth labs are not only dangerous because of the drug they produce. These labs may release toxic chemicals into the local area that can lead to health problems. Fires and even explosions are also common in meth labs.
Additionally, these labs release second-hand meth smoke into the area. Researchers are still trying to understand the potential impacts of second-hand meth smoke. What is known is that people can test positive for meth from inhaling it second-hand.
Different Forms of Methamphetamine
There are two types of methamphetamines: d-methamphetamine and l-methamphetamine. Both drugs have the same chemical makeup. The difference between them is the arrangement of the chemicals.
Another difference between the two is their potencies. L-meth is the original and relatively less potent version of meth, while D-meth is twice as strong. D-methamphetamine is also far simpler to produce.
d,1-methamphetamine is a mixture between D- and L-meth. It is not as strong as d-meth, but it is still dangerous. In Canada, d,1-meth has re-emerged in popularity over the past few decades.
Most methamphetamines come in crystal meth form. The name comes from the fact that crystal meth looks like shards of glass. It is common to find meth in powdered form, which users snort or dissolve in a liquid (e.g., alcohol).
The powdered form of meth is also known as speed on the streets (more on speed later). Base is the street name for a highly potent and pure form of meth. People typically inject or swallow base.
Crystal meth, speed, and base have different potencies. Crystal meth is the most potent at around 80% purity. Speed and base are less potent at 10% and 20% purity, respectively.
Other street names for meth and amphetamines used for recreational purposes are beanies, crank, ice, speed, and bennies. Some people also refer to amphetamines and other stimulants as “uppers.”
Upper Drugs: Stimulants
Meth and prescription amphetamines are stimulants. Stimulants are a type of drug category or class. There are six other drug categories besides stimulants, which are:
- Depressants (e.g., alcohol, antidepressants, and anxiolytics)
- Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin)
- Anesthetics (e.g., PCP and dextromethorphan)
- Analgesics (e.g., opioids)
- Inhalants (e.g., nitrous oxide)
- Cannabis (e.g., natural and synthetic cannabinoids)
Cocaine and crack cocaine are other illegal drugs that fall under the stimulant category. Caffeine and nicotine are legal stimulants that are widely available without a prescription.
Cocaine and amphetamines are similar in their impacts on the brain and body. Amphetamines, including meth, tend to take effect slower than cocaine. Also, amphetamines tend to last longer than cocaine.
Stimulant Effects
Each stimulant has its unique effects. Yet, all of them share some effects in common. Most stimulants increase energy and attention span, improve self-esteem and sociability, boost desire for sex, and reduce appetite.
It is important to understand that these effects are not permanent. Once stimulants wear off, these effects will go away, too.
What Is the Difference Between Amphetamines vs Methamphetamines?
Methamphetamine is an amphetamine, but not all amphetamines are meth. Meth and prescription amphetamines differ in their potencies, duration of effect, abuse potential, and risk of overdose.
Learn more about the differences between methamphetamine vs amphetamine below.
Potency
The main difference between amphetamines and meth is that the latter is stronger than the former. Using the same dose of meth as a prescription amphetamine results in a 4x increase in these effects.
The reason for meth’s increased potency is its effects on the brain. Both drugs lead to an increase in neurotransmitters, including dopamine. But meth increases dopamine concentrations five times more than amphetamine.
Meth also increases brain cell excitability more than prescription amphetamines, especially in a brain area called the nucleus accumbens.
The nucleus accumbens, located near the hypothalamus, plays a role in learning and memory. It also helps regulate motivation, action, and, importantly, addiction.
Duration
Meth’s increased potency also impacts how long it lasts. Methamphetamine tends to last longer than prescription amphetamines, especially when people take amphetamines according to a doctor’s prescription.
The effects of prescription amphetamines can last 4–6 hours. Extended-release amphetamines and crushed and snorted amphetamines can last longer than six hours but not as long as most forms of meth.
The duration of a meth high depends on the route of administration. Ingesting or snorting a small amount of meth may only last 6–8 hours. Using large amounts of meth and injecting or smoking meth can last for up to 24 hours.
Addictiveness
Another result of meth’s increased potency is its higher potential for abuse. Many people report getting addicted to meth after only one use. Prescription amphetamines are more difficult to become dependent on than meth.
However, someone can still become addicted to their or someone else’s prescription amphetamines. Abusing amphetamines without a prescription increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD).
Even people with a prescription can get addicted. Taking more amphetamines than prescribed is one of the most common ways people become addicted to prescription medications.
Overdose Risk
The higher potency of methamphetamine also increases the risk of overdose. The risk of overdosing on meth increases after detox. Many users try to use the same amount they did before detoxing, with often fatal results.
Another reason overdosing on meth is more common is how criminals manufacture it. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture prescription amphetamines. And Health Canada’s HPFB regulates them.
Criminals and criminal organizations that manufacture meth may include other compounds to increase the potency of their products. These added compounds also increase the likelihood of addiction and overdose.
Adderall vs Methamphetamines
Adderall is an amphetamine that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The main ingredients in Adderall are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Like the drug they make up, both ingredients are stimulants.
Methamphetamines and prescription medications like Adderall fall under the amphetamine class of drugs. As such, they both have stimulating benefits and similar side effects.
They also work in similar ways. Like meth, Adderall increases levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Specifically, Adderall increases concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Yet, meth and prescription amphetamines like Adderall differ in the following ways. For example;
- Meth has a more substantial effect on the CNS than Adderall
- Meth is more addictive than Adderall
- Meth goes into effect faster and lasts longer than Adderall
- Meth presents a risk of damaging brain cells
- Meth is an illegal drug, while Adderall is available via prescription
- Meth is made via illegal means, while legal companies produce Adderall
Another difference is that meth causes a “high,” while Adderall typically does not. We say ‘typically’ because ADHD medications can cause a high in people who take them without a prescription or people who abuse their prescription.
What Does Meth Do to Someone Who Has ADHD?
Methamphetamines impact people with ADHD similarly to prescription amphetamines, but the potential for adverse side effects is much higher with meth.
People with ADHD may experience intense meth comedowns. Comedowns occur when the body eliminates most of a drug from the bloodstream. Withdrawal symptoms will then ensue.
A drug’s withdrawal symptoms are typically the opposite of its effects. So, if meth can reduce symptoms of ADHD when in effect, withdrawal or comedown may exacerbate those symptoms.
Studies show that people who use meth have a higher chance of developing ADHD. Methamphetamines may reduce ADHD symptoms temporarily. They may worsen symptoms in people with ADHD in the long run.
Additionally, meth presents a high potential for addiction and negatively affects the brain and body. Prescription amphetamines are well-tested and highly regulated, making them the better option for individuals with ADHD.
Is Methamphetamine Speed? Aren’t They the Same Thing?
No, meth is not speed. Even though some people call certain forms of meth speed, most use ‘speed’ as a blanket term for all kinds of amphetamines. According to the latter definition, speed is less potent than and does not last as long as meth.
When people use ‘speed’ to refer to certain types of meth, they are talking about meth in powdered form. Abusers snort powdered meth, and the route of administration makes it less potent than crystal meth and base.
Crystal meth and base users typically smoke or inject these substances. These two routes of administration get the drug into the user’s bloodstream much faster than snorting.
Though powdered meth may be less potent than base or crystal meth, it is still highly addictive. Some people get addicted to powdered meth after using it once. Like stronger forms of meth, powdered speed can damage brain cells.
How Did Speed Get Its Name?
The name “speed” comes from amphetamines’ stimulating effects on the brain and body. Meth and prescription amphetamines increase physical activity and put the body in a fight-or-flight state.
Some people use speed to refer to powdered methamphetamine, while other people may use it as a blanket term for all kinds of amphetamines, including prescription ADHD medications like Adderall and Vyvanse.
Is Methamphetamine an Opioid?
No, meth is not an opioid because they belong to two different drug classes. Meth belongs to the amphetamine class of drugs and is a stimulant. Opioids are in a class of their own, and they cause pain-relieving effects.
Opioids include illegal substances like heroin and fentanyl. But there are also legal prescription opioids, including but not limited to the following:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Codeine
- Morphine
Meth and opioids are two of the most commonly abused drugs in America. Sadly, they are also responsible for most drug overdoses and overdose deaths.
You can think of meth and opioids as opposites. Meth is a stimulant that increases activity in the CNS. Meanwhile, opiates act as CNS depressants, reducing brain and spinal cord activity.
Stimulant Comedown Symptoms
When you stop using a drug, you may experience a comedown. Comedown is the colloquial term for what happens when a drug starts to leave your system. Another word for it is withdrawal symptoms.
Stimulants like meth and prescription amphetamines have similar withdrawal symptoms, which may include:
- Increased appetite
- Feeling depressed
- Feeling agitated, jittery, and/or anxious
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Reduced heart rate
- Inability to sleep or insomnia
- Memory problems
Of course, withdrawal from stimulants can also cause cravings. Cravings are intense feelings of desire for the drug of abuse. They are also one of the most common signs of a SUD.
Coming down from stimulants may also lead to thoughts of suicide. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations, call Canada’s Talk Suicide hotline for help from a trained crisis responder.
The symptoms someone experiences during a comedown depend on several factors. These factors include the drug of abuse, the amount used, and how long the user has been abusing the drug.
The amount and frequency of drug use can also affect the intensity of the user’s comedown. For example, heavy or long-term stimulant users may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than others.
Stimulant comedowns can last anywhere from 2–3 days to up to a week. Again, the exact duration of withdrawal symptoms depends on the frequency and intensity of stimulant use.
Long-Term Stimulant Use Symptoms
Using stimulants like meth and prescription amphetamines can cause even more negative side effects in the long term.
For example, people who chronically abuse meth and prescription amphetamines may experience the following:
- Psychosis
- Extreme paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Violent behaviour
Long-term meth use can also lead to motor system issues, memory loss, and changes in emotions. These effects may come about because of meth’s ability to damage brain tissue.
The good news is that many of these adverse side effects dissipate after the cessation of meth use. However, emerging research suggests long-term meth use can result in irreversible neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s).
How to Detox from Stimulants
Scientists are still working on a medication to help treat stimulant addiction. Currently, the best way to treat people dependent on meth and other stimulants is through detox and therapy.
Detoxification is the process of getting clean from substances of abuse. People experience withdrawal symptoms during detox. So, many people with SUDs choose to detox in a safe and supported inpatient environment.
At Simcoe Rehab in Ontario, we offer detox and withdrawal management services. We can help you or your loved one detox from stimulants safely and effectively. Here’s how.
Evaluation
The first step in a detox is to undergo a medical evaluation. A medication professional will measure the levels of stimulants in your or your loved one’s system. The evaluation is also the time to discuss your medical history.
Tapering
Quitting cold turkey is not the best way to detox from stimulants. You will likely experience more and more severe withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms may interfere with your daily life.
Going cold turkey from meth and prescription amphetamines can increase the risk of more severe consequences. For example, cardiac arrest, psychosis, seizures, and even death can occur if you quit using stimulants all at once.
Tapering is the better way to go. A tapering schedule will have you or your loved one taking increasingly smaller doses.
Stabilization
Stabilization is the process of getting you or your loved one through detox with as little discomfort as possible. For example, a medical professional can prescribe certain medications to make the process more comfortable.
Treatment
Detoxing from stimulants is only the beginning of the journey toward recovery. The best way to stay drug-free long-term is to follow up detoxification with an intensive treatment program.
Studies show inpatient programs are more effective for people with moderate to severe SUDs. People with mild SUDs may find an outpatient program sufficient. You can determine the right program during your evaluation.
At Simcoe Rehab, we offer outpatient and residential inpatient services after detox. We also provide counselling to help you or your loved one uncover reasons for your stimulant use and new coping mechanisms to try instead.
Treatment Options Available at Simcoe Rehab
Amphetamines are a category of stimulant drugs. They include prescription amphetamines doctors often prescribe for ADHD. Meth is also a type of amphetamine, but it is not available with a prescription.
Now that you understand the distinction between amphetamines vs methamphetamines, are you ready to get the help you need? Simcoe Rehab is an addiction and mental health facility in Ontario.
Contact us today to learn more about our detox and treatment programs for meth and prescription amphetamine substance use disorders.