Is Adderall Meth? Exploring the Risks of Stimulant Abuse

Just like a computer’s CPU, our central nervous system (CNS) is the processing unit of the brain and the body. While prescription drugs, such as Adderall, are effective for conditions like ADHD, the risk of misuse that could result in addiction is relatively high. If anything were to meddle with it, the consequences would be dire and life-threatening in the long run. Despite being a prescription drug designed particularly for medical conditions, Adderall’s misuse for non-medical purposes is very common, especially among youngsters. However, a commonly asked question is, “Is Adderall Meth?”

 

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Adderall vs. Meth: Debunking a Common Myth

Adderall is not meth. Amphetamine (Adderall) and methamphetamine (meth) both belong to the class of CNS stimulants. Adderall is a brand name for amphetamine and is chemically and characteristically different from methamphetamine, a commonly abused drug on the street known as “meth.” While some shared qualities exist, they are different in action and certainly not the same.

Appropriate Adderall dosage, taken per the healthcare provider’s instructions, can be safe for those diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Meth, on the other hand, is prescribed only in rare cases of ADHD because it releases dopamine five times more than amphetamines, thus increasing the risk of addiction. 

Some of the commonalities between meth and Adderall are:

• Meth and Adderall are both controlled substances.
• Being stimulants, they increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
• These drugs can be abused for recreational purposes.
• When taken for non-medical purposes, they can cause us to become dependent on them.

Is Adderall meth’s identical drug? No. While their chemical structures differ slightly, meth is more dangerous than Adderall.

 

Adderall Prescription: Medicinal Uses

When Adderall is taken, it enters the brain and accelerates functions like concentration and attention while minimizing impulsive behavior. This happens as a result of dopamine and norepinephrine release. The medicinal purposes of an Adderall prescription are:

• Managing ADHD symptoms
• Weight loss
• Narcolepsy

If you came here searching for “Is Adderall meth?” The answer is no, but do you still feel addicted to it? Check out our intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP) for meth or Adderall addiction treatment. Read this article if you want to learn how long does Adderall stay in your system?

 

 

To What Degree Is Adderall Addictive?

Even though the FDA approves Adderall, it comes with a warning of high abuse potential. Because of its addictive characteristics, Adderall can lead to stimulant use disorder when the medication is misused. According to another study, Adderall can increase the risk of developing psychosis.

Once our brain’s chemistry is altered, it becomes accustomed to drugs that it is persistently exposed. Therefore, if your brain becomes addicted to Adderall, staying off it can be unsettling, meaning you will start experiencing Adderall withdrawal. Is Adderall meth will be answered in the negative, but does that mean it has no side effects? Unfortunately not. Being a stimulant, it offers a fair share of adverse impacts. 

Adderall Addiction Symptoms: Know Them

Here are some of the signs that will indicate Adderall misuse or addiction:

• Taking Adderall differently than it is usually administered, e.g., snorting it
• Difficulty functioning without Adderall.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Being social and impulsive
• Constantly thinking of taking Adderall and spending most of your time searching for it.
• Feeling anxious or depressed

If you or your loved one identify with these symptoms, contact our DEA-certified medical expertise to protect yourself from Adderall addiction. Contact us at 844.445.2563.

 

The Dangers of Adderall Addiction

Though this medicine is effective, some short-term and long-term side effects cannot be completely ruled out. Long-term use of Adderall is never appreciated as it can cause several serious issues with your mental health. Following are some of the short-term and long-term effects of Adderall:

Short-term Effects of Adderall

• Mouth dryness
• Adderall headache
• Slurred speech
• Increased levels of heart rate
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Loss of appetite

 

 

Long-term Effects of Adderall

One of the reasons that Adderall is classified as a Schedule II drug is that it can potentially disrupt normal functioning and cause long-term effects. Persistent Adderall use would mean that the CNS is getting stimulation, which can cause:

• Nerve cell damage
• Development of mental health conditions
• Psychosis
• Seizures when you take Adderall
• Stroke and cardiovascular issues

Other risks of Adderall addiction include:

• Using it in conjunction with other illegal drugs to achieve a high
• overdosing on Adderall unintentionally if two stimulants are combined
• heart attack due to Adderall’s interaction with other drugs
• Brain or liver damage

Remember that Adderall is less harmful when taken in appropriate doses. However, taking higher doses for better results or recreational purposes can result in overdosing. Therefore, though is Adderall meth a false statement, people still wonder about it due to its signs and symptoms. 

Want to get rid of Adderall dependence? Contact us at 844.445.2563 or complete this form for addiction treatment. Join our virtual rehab if you cannot visit us on-site. 

 

Overcome Adderall Addiction with ChoicePoint Support

For someone who is addicted to Adderall, the most appreciable and important thing to do is to undergo professional support. This is because the more we allow addiction to be on its own, the worse it becomes, to the extent that it is deadly. At ChoicePoint, we believe in supporting individuals through their journeys of recovery. 

Detox for Adderall Addiction

Medical detox is a non-invasive procedure in which a patient’s body is cleansed to eliminate toxins. Contact us at 844.445.2563 or complete this form to admit to our medical detox. The following are some of the benefits of medical detox: 

• Minimizes withdrawal symptoms
• It helps with urges and cravings of the drug in question 

 

 

CBT and other Addiction Therapies

ChoicePoint believes in holistic treatments, so we offer behavioral therapies and counseling sessions. Just as detox addresses physical well-being, therapies protect mental health. We offer diverse addiction therapies to accommodate everyone, even those usually overlooked by society. The following are some of the therapies we offer: 

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
• Group Therapy Program
• Individual Therapy Program
• Family Therapy Program

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Not all rehabs specialize in dual diagnosis treatment. The good news is that we are among the few rehabilitation centers that address co-occurring disorders. If you suffer from addiction and a mental health disorder simultaneously, contact us at 844.445.2563. You may also fill out this form. 

 

Is Adderall Meth? Final Thoughts

The straight answer to “Is Adderall meth” is no, yet it offers many dangers. Controlled substances can be very efficacious when appropriately used and harmful when not. If you observe signs of addiction, reaching out to someone for support is essential. It is important to note that there is no alternative to medical expertise.