Many types of drugs exist and it can be difficult to learn the difference among them. For example, do you know the difference between methamphetamine vs amphetamine? It might surprise you to know what they have in common and how they differ. Tampa Bay Recovery provides treatment for addiction to these drugs in a comfortable setting that puts the spotlight on you and your individual needs. Our outpatient programs allow people to attend treatment sessions during the day while still having time for personal responsibilities at home and work.
What are Methamphetamines?
The key to understanding the difference between methamphetamine vs amphetamine is knowing the specifics of each drug. Methamphetamine, often called “meth”, is a highly addictive substance classified as a Schedule II/IIN stimulant drug, which means it holds a high potential for someone developing a severe addiction when using it. Methamphetamines affect a person’s central nervous system and their brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally. It can also cause damage to a person’s ability to learn and retain things.
Methamphetamine was derived from amphetamines and originally used as an ingredient in products like bronchial inhalers and nasal decongestants. However, it eventually became the drug of choice for many people who use it to get high and numb out. It can cause a host of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to live a productive life.
What are Amphetamines?
Like methamphetamines, amphetamines are also stimulant drugs that fall under the classification of Schedule II/IIN substances. This type of drug is often referred to as “speed” because of the increase in energy and stimulant effects it has on the body. They can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and bouts of insomnia. Some amphetamines are manufactured or sold illegally, while others are available by prescription. Commonly prescribed amphetamines include Adderall and Ritalin (both typically used by someone with ADHD), Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse.
The Difference Between Methamphetamines vs Amphetamines
A key difference between methamphetamine vs amphetamine is how they are obtained. Meth is illegal to produce or possess, while many amphetamines can be obtained through a prescription. While some people become addicted to amphetamines, not everyone does. Many are able to take their medication as prescribed and receive medical benefits.
While both meth and amphetamines cause similar reactions in people, when taken at the same dosage, meth typically causes a greater reaction. Meth affects the brain to a greater degree and causes longer-lasting and more harmful effects on a person’s central nervous system. This causes an elevated risk of developing an addiction.
Can You Get Addicted to Methamphetamines vs Amphetamines?
Someone who abuses methamphetamines or amphetamines can end up developing an addiction. While both have an elevated risk of someone abusing them, meth has a greater potential for causing a substance use disorder. With either drug, once addiction sets in, the person will need to seek professional treatment to overcome their dependency. While it may feel tempting to try to overcome addiction on their own, the overwhelming majority of people who attempt it without going to rehab end up failing.
How is Addiction to Methamphetamines and Amphetamines Treated?
Treatment for both methamphetamines and amphetamines begins by going to a detox program. Detox typically lasts five to seven days and provides the medical supervision necessary to keep a person safe as they begin their first days of living drug-free. From there, some people move into a residential program where they live for several weeks.
After that, or as an alternative for those who don’t need it, outpatient care becomes an option. Outpatient treatment requires a person to visit a facility for their therapy sessions without having to live there. The levels of outpatient treatment include a regular outpatient program (OP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), and partial hospitalization program (PHP). How often the individual attends sessions depends on the level of care they need and the severity of their addiction.
While outpatient care does not mean living in a facility, many people find it helpful to stay in a sober living facility while undergoing treatment. This provides them with a safe, substance-free home that allows them to avoid triggers and the stress of their daily responsibilities while they work on healing from addiction.
From the time someone enters detox until they complete all levels of treatment, options are made available to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Many prescription drugs help people when it comes to alleviating physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms.
Begin Treatment For Addiction at Tampa Bay Recovery
Whether a person abuses methamphetamines vs amphetamines, they will need professional help to stop their addiction. Tampa Bay Recovery provides outstanding structured care for people with substance use disorders. We offer access to a detox program that helps jump-start living a drug-free life. From there, we provide several levels of outpatient treatment programs and sober living facilities. Our staff of expert addiction clinicians gets to know you so they can create a plan for overcoming drug abuse that meets your exact needs.
For more information about our program for substance use disorders, visit our admissions page now. You can learn to live life without addiction again.
