is adderall meth

The reality regarding Adderall and how it compares to methamphetamine is often believed to be unknown. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that Adderall is effective and safe enough to be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People who don’t have ADHD but overuse it experience symptoms similar to those of more dangerous substances. Overuse of stimulants like Adderall or methamphetamine can lead to dependency. Recent neuroscientific studies have drawn parallels between Adderall and methamphetamine because of their similarities. Both substances’ outcomes have been compared. Meth addiction is on the rise in wealthy nations like the United States, and this is cause for great concern. It’s no secret that OxyContin, another opiate painkiller available only with a doctor’s prescription, may be just as harmful and addictive as heroin. However, there is still some resistance to admitting the similarities between amphetamines, which include both legal prescription drugs like Adderall and illegal stimulants like meth, sometimes known as crystal meth. Associate professor Carl Hart holds doctorates in both psychology and psychiatry. He has been debating the relative merits of crystal meth and Adderall, two substances about which he is well-versed. Crystal meth misuse is a field in which he excels. There is a considerable chance of getting addicted on the medication, as well as the difficulties connected with its abuse, whether or not Adderall is used in comparison to other similar drugs. Adderall use by those who do not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been proven to carry dangers similar to crystal meth use. In this instance, a citation [should be included] is:

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Adderall for ADD/ADHD

Most patients with ADD/ADHD are being treated with amphetamine-based drugs. Up to 75% of people with ADHD are prescribed drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. They are beneficial for the disorders. Pharmaceutical companies are releasing Adderall candy to make it more enticing for kids to take. The company responsible for distributing this candy Adderall say it is popular for most clinics. With this new addition to the drug, the concern is that Adderall abuse will become more widespread. Recreational abuse of Adderall has the possibility of causing convulsions, coma, and death.

The Benefits of Adderall for ADHD Patients

Those who misuse Adderall but do not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often develop a hyperactive personality. ADHD sufferers can relax with the help of Adderall. Focus on schoolwork is a benefit often cited by students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Since they are better able to retain and focus on the material presented to them, they will typically perform better academically. Because of neurological problems, patients with ADHD are unable to maintain focus on a single task. It makes sense that Adderall, being a stimulant, would cause hyperactivity in people who don’t have ADHD. Patients taking a stimulant for ADHD benefit from increased focus and task motivation. Adderall was found to be more effective for studying than Ritalin in studies comparing the two. Patients with ADHD aren’t actively trying to act impulsively. They may have a lower baseline dopamine level and therefore seek out activities that stimulate dopamine release. Many people with ADHD are also hyperactive or engage in other potentially harmful behaviors. Dopamine-boosting medications like Adderall can help patients feel more at ease and improve their concentration.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is the brand of prescription drug designed for those with ADHD as well as patients with narcolepsy. Ritalin is the other brand name prescription drug that is similar and used for the same purpose. Adderall contains the stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse and addiction, this powerful stimulant drug is a Schedule II controlled substance. If Adderall is taken as prescribed by someone who legitimately has ADHD, it’s been proven to be extremely helpful. They experience a greater focus when managing tasks and risky behavior reduces.

When Adderall is Abused

The problem with Adderall and the reason that experts are starting to get concerned is the abuse factor. Recreational abuse of Adderall has grown in popularity over the past few years. There are many ways people without ADHD can get the drug. Patients with ADHD are willing to sell their Adderall pills because they can sell them for between $20-$30 a pill. There is also a risk of being misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD. In this case, the patient is given a steady prescription for a drug they don’t need. Adderall abuse can lead to overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include;

Hyperventilation.
Abnormalities in the heart rhythm.
Hallucinations.
Tremors.
Confusion or delirium.
Vertigo.
Panic attacks.
Coma.

Long-term usage in those who don’t have ADHD can lead to tolerance. They will need more Adderall to get the same results. Then dependency comes in where your body doesn’t function well unless you have Adderall in your system. This leads to addiction which includes seeking Adderall out, chronic drug use and using despite the fact it’s causing problems in one’s life.

Adderall Addiction

Patients that benefit from Adderall don’t tend to get addicted to the effects. The hyper-stimulation that occurs for those that don’t need the drug to level out are what causes excessive abuse and addiction. Non-ADHD users of Adderall say it makes them feel strong, confident, and full of energy. This allows them to accomplish more on a daily basis. Appetite is suppressed as well which may be part of the reason some will take it initially. It’s easy to lose weight on Adderall while still maintaining the energy to get more done. Students on campuses are prone to using Adderall to manage busy schedules. College can come with a myriad of stresses. Being away from home, inability to take the time to work out and bad eating habits can all become reasons one would start taking Adderall.

Adderall Addiction

Adderall on the Streets

The fact that 1 in 5 boys’ parents are told their child may have ADHD can give you insight into how much Adderall is being administered. In the US, 13.2% of boys between 4 and 12 have been given a diagnosis of ADHD. Over 30% of prescribed Adderall is being diverted to recreational use. Most people believe that prescription drugs are not dangerous and view them differently to illegal drugs. It gets even worse when users start mixing Adderall and crystal meth or other substances.

Similarities of Adderall and Meth

Adderall and methamphetamine are not exactly the same but they do share similarities. Methamphetamines are within the double methyl group. This is what separates them from being an amphetamine. The extra methyl group in methamphetamine causes the drug to effect the user differently. It lets the effects of the drug cross the blood brain barrier quicker. This makes it more potent. Meth also has a variety of chemicals and toxins that are more damaging to the brain than Adderall. Meth addiction will occur more quickly because it crosses the blood brain barrier so much faster. What makes them similar is that they produce similar effects. Adderall and meth addiction are equally as prevalent for those who abuse these stimulants.

Effects of Meth

Adderall has the ability to be addictive like meth but it does have its advantages in the right dose for ADHD patients. Meth however is an illicit drug with a purpose of getting high recreationally. It affects the brain much faster and is far more potent. The effects include euphoria, a feeling of invincibility and users will experience greater energy and alertness. Side effects are similar to Adderall but are more severe and potent. These side effects are both short and long term;

Hallucinations.
Psychosis.
Paranoia.
Brain structure and function alterations.
Inability to control thinking or motor skills.
Easily distracted.
Inability to sleep.
Loss of memory.
Violence or aggression.
May become depressed.
Deterioration of teeth.
Extreme weight loss.
Addiction.

Effects of Adderall

Even when used as directed, Adderall can have a number of undesirable effects in some people. Adderall usage carries serious dangers. Pill abuse can involve either taking more than recommended or utilizing it in a way that is not intended. There are increased health risks and addiction potential when drugs are chewed, snorted, or injected. The effects of Adderall include euphoria, increased alertness, and a burst of energy. Consequences quite similar to those of cocaine and meth. Some of Adderall’s immediate side effects include:

Suppression in appetite.
Rapid Weight Loss.
Irritability.
Insomnia.
Restlessness.
Potential cardiac problems.

Adverse long-term Adderall effects:

Paranoia.
Depression.
Violence or hostility.
Addiction.

While the physical and psychological addiction may not be as potent, they are similar. Adderall can create tolerance over time and withdrawal symptoms will occur.

The Dangers of Adderall

Dr. Carl L. Hart says that while meth is extremely dangerous, perhaps the danger of Adderall is the opinion people have of it. He believes that Adderall is so dangerous because it is so widely accepted with the public. People know that meth is dangerous but they see Adderall as normal even if it’s being abused.