Adderall is a popular prescription drug that is often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It works on the brain to increase positive neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Notably, when both chemical messengers are increased, the results include enhanced focus, energy, and alertness. Because Adderall is a popular substance in its drug class, people often wonder if it’s classified as methamphetamine.
Is Adderall a Methamphetamine?
Adderall is not a methamphetamine drug but rather an amphetamine, which is a central nervous system stimulant. Stimulants like amphetamine work on the brain and spine to produce increased activity in the system. As such, they make people feel heightened and motivated. In a sense, amphetamines like Adderall wake up the brain and body. Also called “uppers,” they are sometimes used for enhanced physical and mental performance. Understandably, Adderall’s effects of increased focus, concentration, and alertness have positive effects on ADHD and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. However, stimulants are often used outside of a prescription for the same effects. When stimulants are used on a brain that doesn’t have mental challenges like ADHD, the individual can easily become dependent on the flood of “happy hormones.” Thus, using stimulants recreationally is dangerous. Even if a person uses them to be more productive and focused, misusing prescription meds has risks. There are many harmful side effects of stimulant addiction, including heart disease and cognitive impairment.
List of Common Amphetamines
Adderall is a popular amphetamine drug, but it is not the only one. Amphetamines are a class of psychostimulants that specifically act on the central nervous system. These drugs can be both prescription-made and clandestine lab-made for recreational use. Medical-use amphetamines include:
- Adderall (made of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
- Dexedrine (made of dextroamphetamine)
- Vyvanse (made of lisdexamphetamine)
- Desoxyn (made of methamphetamine)
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What’s the Difference Between Amphetamines and Methamphetamines?
The distinction between amphetamines and methamphetamine can be confusing, so let’s clarify how they differ. Amphetamines are stimulants. Methamphetamine refers to the drug called meth. It is a stimulant that falls under the category of amphetamines. Therefore, meth is actually an amphetamine. It is a man-made drug that can be used to treat ADHD. However, most commonly, methamphetamine is abused for illicit purposes. It has the same stimulating effect on the brain and body, but meth is even stronger than amphetamine, roughly 4 times more powerful. To summarize, amphetamines are a class of drugs that includes amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine.
Are Amphetamines and Methamphetamines Addictive?
Yes, amphetamines, including the drug meth, are incredibly addictive substances. Stimulants are only intended to be used in specifical medical cases, such as ADHD. Anyone who uses them outside of a prescription puts themself at high risk of developing an amphetamine dependency. At this point, you will need to keep having stimulants alter your system in order to perform normally. Over time, stimulants alter brain chemistry so you can’t function without the assistance of drugs. The greatest threats of amphetamine abuse are overdose and death. However, you could also experience digestive issues, heart malfunction, cognitive decline, and psychosis.
Is Methamphetamine Legal?
Methamphetamine is a Schedule II Controlled Substance monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States. As such, it’s classified as a drug with medical use but a high potential for abuse and addiction. Meth use is highly monitored by law enforcement. It’s illegal to use meth outside of a prescription, including black market meth and recreational use.
Stimulant Abuse Treatment Options
If you struggle with stimulant abuse, whether Adderall, amphetamines, or meth, you aren’t alone. However, you can’t keep abusing drugs because you put your life in danger. It’s important to receive professional help for your stimulant addiction. We can offer you a place in a holistic rehab center where we offer drug addiction and mental health treatment. Our approach is empathetic to your situation, desiring your overall health first and foremost. Don’t wait to seek help.
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