Meth and Adderall share many similarities including a very close chemical make-up and nearly identical highs when used illegally. Doctors classify meth, or methamphetamine, and Adderall, a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, as stimulants. Both drugs produce a sense of euphoria, energy, alertness, and a feeling of invincibility. Users — even users of the prescription form of the drug, Adderall — can quickly find themselves addicted. Meth, however, often leads users to addiction more quickly since its formulation allows it to pass more easily from the bloodstream into the brain. Using Adderall, the prescription counterpart of meth does not make that drug any safer, however.
Considered a Schedule II drug, the medical community recognizes both the benefits and addictive qualities of Adderall. (Meth remains a strictly recreational and illegal drug.) Adderall, when used as doctor-directed, enhances the mental concentration and stamina of ADHD sufferers and narcoleptics. A recent study highlights the potential for abuse though, showing that nearly a third of all Adderall prescriptions go to users who do not take the drug to treat a medical condition. When Adderall leads to meth abuse and addiction, users risk incurring permanent brain damage from neurotoxins in the drug. For both drugs, the risks of addiction and physical harm necessitate a medically supervised and integrated approach to detox.
SIGNS OF METH AND ADDERALL ABUSE AND ADDICTION
There are many unmistakable indicators of abuse and addiction to meth and Adderall which include:
Meth
- difficulty staying-focused
- insomnia
- violent behavior or aggression
- depression
- hallucinations, paranoia and psychosis
- changes in brain structure and function similar to Alzheimer’s Disease
Adderall
- depression
- hostility
- paranoia
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF USING METH AND ADDERALL
Meth and Adderall use has many negative side effects in the short term which include:
Meth
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- rapid heart rate
- dilated pupils
- sleeping difficulty
- erratic behavior
- convulsions or seizures
- panic attacks or psychosis
Adderall
- irritability
- restlessness
- insomnia
- cardiac issues
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF METH AND ADDERALL ADDICTION
The long-term abuse of and addiction to meth and Adderall have many serious and severe consequences including:
Meth
- inability to concentrate
- significant dental problems
- motor skill impairment
- weight loss
- memory loss
- insomnia
- aggression or violent behavior
- depression
- psychosis, hallucinations and paranoia
- liver, kidney and lung damage
- changes in brain structure and function, similar to Alzheimer’s
Adderall
- paranoia
- hostility
- depression
SYMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL FROM METH AND ADDERALL
Users going through withdrawal from meth and Adderall will experience many frightening, dangerous, and even life-threatening symptoms which include:
Meth
- drug cravings
- troubled sleep
- shaking, tremors and convulsions
- fevers, chills and sweating
- nausea and vomiting
- hypertension
- heart palpitations
- respiratory complications and failure
- seizures
- coma
- death
Adderall
- drug cravings
- appetite loss
- headaches and body aches
- inability to concentrate
- insomnia
- lethargy
- fatigue
- irritability
- mood swings
- anxiety
- depression
- suicidal ideation
- tremors and/or seizures
WHY YOUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON A MEDICALLY SUPERVISED WITHDRAWAL
A medically supervised detox benefits you in several ways. As you begin passing the drugs from your body, you will immediately experience intense discomfort which will vary depending on the length of use and the quantity of the drug you used. This discomfort — if faced on your own — can easily push you back into using. Increasing your comfort during detox not only makes the experience easier to handle but also reduces the risk of relapse. Medical professionals trained on the intricacies of detox from meth and Adderall can also ensure your physical safety during this period. Detox will also challenge your mental well-being. Having compassionate, knowledgeable medical care close by around the clock ensures both the quality and efficiency of your detox.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DETOX GIVES YOU THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS
Drug use and addiction have many roots. We easily recognize the body’s chemical dependency as one of those roots. Since the likelihood that an addicted user of meth, Adderall, or any drug can break free from chemical dependency on their own remains extremely small, a medically supervised detox becomes one of the necessary components of any successful detox strategy.
Behaviors also play a major factor. Often, behaviors lead users into addiction and keep them from breaking free. Without addressing your psychological dependence and emotional needs, breaking your chemical dependency on its own will likely produce only very short-lived sobriety. Conversely, creating awareness of your existing behaviors and learning alternatives to them can serve as one of your best defenses against relapse.
The Serenity Oaks Wellness Center incorporates both treatment methods in its integrated and comprehensive approach to your detox from meth and Adderall. By treating all aspects of your addiction — in an environment rich with caring and compassionate advisors and friends — we can help give you the best chance of not only achieving sobriety but maintaining it well into the future.