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Knowing the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

With the massive drug addiction crisis going on, it’s important to have an education about the various substances. Many people know about the opioid crisis in the United States, but there is also a major issue with stimulants. Stimulants can come in the form of prescription amphetamines, cocaine as well as methamphetamine. Knowing the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine can help you assist the person you love who may have an addiction.

Prescription Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

woman wonders about the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamineThe primary difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine is that amphetamines come in prescription form. Many people develop an amphetamine addiction because the medication is for symptoms of ADHD. Not only does the medication help treat symptoms of ADHD, but it can also become highly addictive. The various types of amphetamine medications can include the following as well as more:

  • Adderall XR
  • Ritalin
  • Dextroamphetamine
  • Dexedrine
  • Vyvanse
  • Strattera
  • Concerta

Many young people develop an addiction to these medications because amphetamines are often party drugs. Due to how the stimulants affect the brain, a person can drink more alcohol without feeling drunk. This is extremely dangerous because it can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal for most people. Without proper addiction education, a young person may not have the ability to learn how to quit for good.

Illicit Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

It’s important to know that there is not only a chemical difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine, but there’s a legal one as well. Meth is only a few molecules away from the compound of prescription amphetamines like Adderall. It’s an illegal substance that people make themselves, which is quite dangerous. Meth is made of hazardous chemicals that cause a lot of health issues and can lead to death.

There are also those who use prescription amphetamines illegally, which is when you abuse the drug without a prescription. Some people develop a dependence on their medication and then need more to get high. This can lead to buying the medication illegally or stealing it from people who use the medication. The abuse of this medication can lead to a person’s life becoming highly unmanageable and put a person in a lot of legal trouble.

Getting Help

Now that you know the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine drugs, it’s time to get your loved one help. Zelus Recovery offers Boise addiction treatment programs for young people throughout Idaho. Not only are we here to help your loved one overcome their addiction, but we’re here to help the family heal as well. Through our family program, you’ll learn to heal as well and move forward with this new chapter of your life.

Aside from the family program, some of the other programs we offer here at Zelus include the following:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy

For more information about how we can help, call us today at 208.518.0797.