Points of comparison between amphetamines vs. methamphetamine (meth) include their effects, medically approved uses, common illicit uses, and risk of addiction.
At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, we’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized, evidence-based plan to help you build a foundation for successful, long-term recovery from meth and other amphetamines.
Learn more about addiction treatment in Tampa Bay, FL or verify your insurance today.
Comparing Amphetamines vs. Methamphetamine
The primary difference between amphetamines vs. methamphetamine is that the first term is a category and the second one is a specific drug within that category.
Other substances in the amphetamines category include:
- Racemic amphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Lisdexamfetamine
All of the drugs in this category, including methamphetamine, are stimulants. This means that they speed up the delivery of messages throughout the central nervous system (CNS).
All amphetamines are also synthetic, which means that they were created in a lab. According to a December 2021 article in the journal Molecules, a Romanian chemist named Lazăr Edeleanu synthesized the first drug from this category in 1887.
Classification
In the U.S., amphetamine and methamphetamine are both classified as Schedule II controlled substances. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), this classification is reserved for drugs that pose “a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.”
Other Schedule II drugs include cocaine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl.
Medical Uses
The reason why meth and amphetamines are classified as Schedule II and not Schedule I is that the latter category is for drugs that have no currently accepted medical use.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved amphetamines to treat several conditions, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, and obesity.
Amphetamines are present in several commonly used prescription meds, while methamphetamine has only one approved use:
- Amphetamines: Examples of the many FDA-approved prescription medications that contain various types of amphetamines include Adderall, Vyvanse, Mydayis, and Dexedrine.
- Methamphetamine: Desoxyn is the only drug containing methamphetamine that has earned approval from the FDA.
Illicit Uses
Common illicit uses of amphetamines vs. methamphetamine include:
- Amphetamine: The widespread use of Adderall, Vyvanse, and other amphetamine-based ADHD meds has led some people to believe they are safe to use on an illicit basis as “study drugs” to improve focus and memory. Some people also abuse amphetamines for the same reasons that they do cocaine and other stimulants, as a means of getting an illicit boost of energy and confidence.
- Methamphetamine: Meth is decidedly not a performance-enhancing substance. People who use this drug without a prescription typically do so for recreational purposes. A meth high can cause an elevated mood to the point of euphoria, improved confidence, and increased energy and strength. Since meth is highly addictive, using it even a few times can cause people to develop an intense compulsion to use it over and over again.
Dangers of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
The dangers of using meth and other amphetamines can vary depending on how much a person uses, how frequently they use the drugs, and if they are using them under a doctor’s supervision or solely for recreational purposes.
Potential side effects of prescription amphetamine and meth use can include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Abnormal heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Dangers of recreational amphetamine or meth use include:
- Cardiovascular damage
- Heart attack
- Malnutrition
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Erratic behavior
- Decreased cognitive functioning
- Addiction
- Overdose
Signs of Addiction to Amphetamine or Methamphetamine
All amphetamines pose a risk of addiction, but meth is typically identified as one of the most highly addictive of all recreational substances. Once a person becomes dependent on any of these drugs, they may need professional help and long-term support to stop using them.
Diagnostic criteria
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes 11 criteria for stimulant use disorder, which is the clinical term for an addiction to amphetamine or methamphetamine:
- Using either of the drugs in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than you intended
- Having a persistent desire to stop using meth or amphetamines, but being unable to do so
- Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of meth or amphetamine
- Having intense urges to use the substances
- Failing to me responsibilities at work, in school, or at home due to your stimulant use
- Using amphetamines or methamphetamine despite having recurring social or interpersonal problems as a result of your prior use of the drugs
- Using the drugs despite incurring some type of physical or psychological problem that was caused or worsened by your prior use
- Reducing or ending your involvement in important activities as a result of your amphetamine or meth use
- Using the drugs in physically hazardous situations, such as combining them with other substances or driving while under their influence
- Developing tolerance, or needing to use larger amounts of the drugs than you used to in order to feel their effects
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to curtail your use of the substances
If you meet two or three of these criteria, you can be diagnosed with mild stimulant use disorder. Meeting four or five qualifies as moderate addiction, while six or more is considered severe addiction.
Warning Signs of Addiction
You can’t diagnose a loved one with an addiction to amphetamines or meth. Only a qualified professional can do that. But if you notice certain signs, you can play a role in connecting your friend or family member with the help they need.
Common warning signs of abuse or addiction to amphetamines or meth include:
- Sudden shifts in mood and energy
- Uncharacteristic aggressiveness, recklessness, or impulsivity
- Severe damage to teeth, which if often referred to as “meth mouth”
- Persistent sores or abscesses, which can result from compulsive skin-picking
- Major unintentional weight loss
- Having unexplained financial problems
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Lying about how they’ve been spending their time or who they’ve been associating with
- Drastic downturn in performance in school or at work
On their own, none of these warning signs are definitive proof that a person has developed an addiction to meth or amphetamine. The could be indicators of a different type of addiction, a mental health concern, or something else entirely.
But when you observe significant unexplained changes in a person’s appearance, attitude, and behaviors, that warrants a closer look from their physician or another healthcare professional.
Find Treatment for Addiction to Amphetamines or Methamphetamine in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Recovery Center provides customized outpatient treatment for adults who have become addicted to meth, other amphetamines, and other substances. We also offer dual diagnosis services for clients with co-occurring mental health concerns.
Treatment options at our rehab in St. Petersburg, FL, include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and virtual treatment.
To learn more call 813-733-5686 or verify your insurance now.
