Difference-between-Methamphetamine-and-Amphetamine

Difference between Methamphetamine and Amphetamine

Many people often mix up methamphetamine and amphetamine. This is not surprising, since they are quite similar, and are, for all intents and purposes, the same drug. Keep reading to learn the difference between methamphetamine and amphetamine.

One of the most addictive drugs known to humans is methamphetamine, or "meth". Also related to methamphetamine is amphetamine. Amphetamine and methamphetamine are both psychostimulants, meaning that they increase your ability to stay awake. Both methamphetamine and amphetamine stimulate you and can even increase focus. When these two drugs are used, they raise the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals can help induce euphoria. Additionally, the "trip" one experiences when under the influence of amphetamine and methamphetamine is caused by distorted sensations, which can produce an interesting effect that many enjoy. These drugs are often used to escape everyday life.

When used properly, amphetamine can be quite useful. It can be used in drugs that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by helping the patient to focus. At one point, amphetamine was used in diet pills meant to help people lose weight. However, when not administered properly, amphetamine can cause serious problems. It is highly addictive, and when used improperly can result in death, since it speeds up the metabolism and can put a great deal of stress on the heart. Methamphetamine has many of the same effects. Some of the unpleasant side effects include dry mouth, shallow and rapid breathing, impaired speech, constipation, arrhythmia, dizziness, shaking and insomnia. In many cases, the difference between methamphetamine and amphetamphine is that meth effects are stronger and take place more quickly than those seen in amphetamine.

Because the effects of methamphetamine and amphetamine are so strong, and because the psychostimulant nature of the drugs makes them so addictive, withdrawal is a very serious problem. The body builds up a tolerance, and it takes more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal can result in fatigue, agitation, depression, psychosis, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.

Methamphetamine vs. Amphetamine

While amphetamine and methamphetamine are quite similar in many ways, having basically the same effects. It is worth noting that methamphetamine breaks down into amphetamine when it is metabolized. This means that meth turns into amphetamine in the body, and is excreted as amphetamine. The presence of amphetamine in the urine is often used as an indication of methamphetamine use as well. The main difference between methamphetamine and amphetamine comes in the way that these drugs are processed, and this changes the way that they interact with the body.

Amphetamine is known as methylated phenylethylamine. Methamphetamine is the same thing, but it is double methylated, instead of only methylated once. It's this process of double methylation that makes the difference between methamphetamin and amphetamine. Amphetamine can be prescribed in various drugs to treat specific problems, but methamphetamine is considered too dangerous to be prescribed for use. Because of the double methylation, meth has a stronger effect on the body, and acts quite quickly. Additionally, meth is fairly inexpensive, and can be made by amateurs who mix cough medicine with hydriodic acid.

Neither of these drugs is particularly safe, even though amphetamine is used in prescriptions -- and even sometimes to help keep soldiers alert. However, when used as directed amphetamines can be helpful for some medical conditions; methamphetamine should never be used in such a manner, since it is so dangerous.

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Quotes

"Anyone being faced with the reality that their addiction needs to be conquered and their life will change is going to be scared."

Fatima

"I don't miss the fact that now when my lips move it is more than likely I am actually telling the truth."

Jane S

"I don't miss the fear that arose when I'm driving my car every time a police car hovers into view."

Steven

"My lowest point was when I realised I was stealing money from my daughters Christmas presents to fund my habit."

P. Gomez

"That's what made me think of stopping my drug habits - My Blood pressure spiked at 200/110 last week during a Panic Attack."

Maria

"Find out why you use, find out your triggers, and take it day by day. Any day clean is better than any day you’ve been high."

Ivan

"My goal in life wasn't living...it was getting high. I was falling in a downward spiral towards a point of no return"

John

"I ended up homeless and on the streets, living and sleeping in a cardboard box, begging and struggling to find ways to get my next meal."

Ben

"Little did I know that my mom was upstairs crying every night that I came home late, crying because she was scared for my survival."

Nick

"It’s going to take a fight to get out, but if I beat my addiction to crystal meth, you can beat yours."

Eve

"By the time I was done with my addiction to crystal meth, I had racked up 4 arrests, 9 felonies, a $750,000 bail, a year in jail."

Jeff

"Even my fellow users didn't want to touch me. They said I was gross because I was so skinny."

Kristan

"I couldn’t see how dependent I was, and when it was all too late I couldn’t stop."

Carrie

"It destroys the happiness in your brain so eventually the only way to get that happy feeling again is to get high."

Brittney

"It wasn't me when I was using, I was soulless."

Anonymous

"When I was 23, I was introduced to meth. I got so addicted that I loved meth more than my husband."

Irene

"I have to remind myself how bad the come down can be and that just one is too many and a thousand won't be enough."

Anonymous

"I dont' remember being brought into emergency nor do I remember how long I was out for. What I do remember is when I awoke. I had been sleeping for nearly a month! They told me I had slipped into a drug induced coma, and was nearly lost."

Anonymous

"It was a long process but I eventually kicked the habit entirely by the time I was 17, and I have to say I couldn't be happier about it."

Ares

"Everyday is a battle and I don't want to lose. I don't want to ruin my life."

Sandra

"Regardless of how it is looked at, crystal meth addiction is a serious problem, and needs to be treated right away."

Hayes

"Looking back over the past year, it's hard to work out the exact point at which a bit of fun became an addiction."

Simon

"I couldn't stop talking, and my heart was racing. I was restless and so horny. I stayed up till the next afternoon, taking Viagra to keep the sex going non-stop."

Simon

"Friends, my sister, even my ex, tried to help, but I shut them out, literally slamming the door on them if I bothered to answer it at all."

Simon

"I'd be high for days, having sex with so many guys I just lost count."

Simon

"One morning, I woke up bleeding with excruciating pain in my pelvic area."

Simon

"It was bad, but at least it wasn't as bad as could be. I was lucky to be alive"

Simon

"Whether you have a history of drug addiction or not, has no bearing on whether you get addicted to this drug. It is Russian roulette, pure and simple."

Staley

"I have to remind myself how bad the come down can be and that just one is too many and a thousand won't be enough."

Bree

"The crash that comes along with these methamphetmeine type drugs, and the way it takes over your whole being. It's no longer worth it to me."

Mathew

"I sold my car, lost my job, was kicked out of my mother’s house, was $25,000 in credit card debt, and living on the streets of Camden, New Jersey. I lied, I stole, I cheated."

Alison

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While getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process. Once sober, the brain needs time to recover and rebuild connections that have changed while addicted. During this time, drug cravings can be intense. You can support your continued sobriety by making a conscious effort to avoid people, places, and situations that trigger the urge to use.
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Find a program that meets your needs

It is important to choose a program that meets your specific personal goals and lifestyle. If your crystal meth addiction is severe, th...

Avoid temptation during detox

If you are engaged in an outpatient detox program for a crystal meth addiction, it is important to steer clear of situations where you ...

Understand the withdrawal symptom

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Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you are concerned about the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, or want to know about the challenges that may lurk around the corn...

Maintain a good mental attitude

A lot of your success during crystal meth detox depends upon your mental state; your attitude and desire play a big role in the end res...

Set small goals that are easier to reach

Be realistic about what you can achieve. Avoid thinking in terms of "forever." Think in terms of days, hours or even minutes. Not using...

Get rid of your drugs and drug paraphernalia

This includes all product, baggies, spoons, needles, bleach, mirrors, and any other stuff you use when you get high. Be sure you get ri...

Throw out phone numbers that trigger thoughts about using

Change your phone number. Get rid of your pager. Make it hard for your dealer and acquaintances to reach you. Make it hard for you to r...

Become aware of your using patterns

Like when, why, where and with whom you use most often. Whenever you can, avoid these situations and find other activities to substitut...

Anticipate withdrawal

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Watch your eating habits

Limit your intake of caffeine, sugar and white flour products like pastries, cookies and white bread. Sugar comes in many forms: white,...

Alternative Therapy

To take your mind off the cravings for meth, try some alternative therapies. You never know, they might work – and failing that, the ...

Exercise and eat well

Getting some exercise has multiple benefits for your body – increasing metabolism, getting the blood flowing, releasing endorphins. E...

Patience!

You didn’t get into this mess in a day, and you won’t get out of it in that short timeframe either. Kicking crystal meth will invol...

Explore your treatment options

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Regret versus Shame

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Crystal and the Heart

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