Addiction and Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. Symptoms include an inability to control reactions to cravings. In the amphetamine vs methamphetamine debate, the possibility of addiction is a significant factor. Here’s what you need to know.

Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine–Differences and Similarities

Some prescription medications contain amphetamines. These chemicals boost your metabolism and can assist with weight loss. Types of these drugs become part of the medical treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment. Because they can help you stay awake, they also provide assistance for patients with narcolepsy.

On the other side of the spectrum is methamphetamine. Although chemically similar, a defining difference in structural makeup results in a substance that’s twice as potent. It triggers a dopamine and norepinephrine glut in the brain. By manipulating the reward center, addiction is almost inevitable.

Patients must be under the care of a doctor to receive amphetamines legally. This medical professional counteracts chemical dependence by limiting doses. As a result, side effects such as excessive weight loss or addiction are unlikely to occur. That’s not the case with methamphetamine or amphetamines you buy illegally.

Who’s at a High Risk of Abusing Stimulants?

What’s not a frequent topic of conversation in the amphetamine vs methamphetamine debate is the makeup of the user demographic. Who uses these stimulant drugs? Students and young adults are more likely to abuse amphetamines. They sell illicitly as “smart drugs”.

Young adults use them to gain an edge in all-night study sessions. Later, they may rely on them to meet deadlines at work.

Typical meth users know that they are using an illicit substance. Users typically buy it for the euphoric high. The average user starts meth abuse at about 20 years of age. It’s at the root of adverse results that can include job losses, homelessness, and criminal activity.

Overcoming an Addiction to Either Substance

There’s no shortcut to ending dependency on these potent chemicals. You need to start with detox to end the physiological addiction. Once you finish a detox program, you transition to rehab. There, therapists help you to uncover the reasons why you started using stimulants with modalities such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on pattern recognition and change
• Psychiatric care for program participants with a dual diagnosis
• Group therapy that includes addiction education to help you recognize triggers
• Family therapy, which empowers loved ones to heal and find ways to become a support network for you
• Life skills training, which assists you with re-learning how to live sober after discharge

Mindfulness-based training is another aspect of recovery. You learn how to focus on the now rather than worry about the past or future. It’s a powerful tool for people with an affinity for stimulants. In the process, you might undergo training in meditation, yoga, or Tai chi.

How does the amphetamine vs methamphetamine debate affect you? If you’re actively using right now but want to quit, there’s help right around the corner. You don’t have to go it alone. Reach the caring therapists at Beaches Recovery by calling 866.605.0532 now.