Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

Understanding Methamphetamine

Just like many other drugs, meth has become widespread. This increase in use has led to an epidemic across the country because it has become more available, and it’s so potent. This epidemic impacted all socioeconomic classes in the United States.

In response to increasing drug use, the U.S. government added meth as a Schedule II drug. Using or possessing meth now comes with a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Meth is commonly created in makeshift laboratories because it doesn’t require very many materials to convert the powdered meth into crystal form. Once the conversion becomes complete, the finished meth product resembles glass, earning the name “crystal meth.”

Meth is also pressed into pill form to make it more concealable. Methyl enedioxy- methamphetamine (known as ecstasy) has been in existence since the early 1900s.

It became popular in the party circuit throughout Europe and the United States. Over time, the drug has been either sold as straight ecstasy or mixed with substances such as fentanyl for a higher dose and reaction.

The Effects of Methamphetamine

Meth is well-known for how it affects physical appearances. You can never tell what damage a person is suffering within themselves, but meth use is obvious.

A common physical effect of meth is teeth loss. This is so widespread amongst meth users that characters in TV shows and movies who use meth are depicted with teeth that look like broken piano keys.

One of the side effects of meth use is that it causes your mouth to dry up. This encourages the grinding of your teeth, which causes long-lasting damage. You’ll find increasing tooth decay and gum disease that eventually causes your teeth to rot out of your mouth.

More Physical Effects From Meth Use

Another physical effect meth has on the body is skin deterioration. When used long enough, meth discolors the skin by giving it a sickly gray tint. It also thins the skin, making it feel leathery with ulcers and scratch marks all over it.

The care and motivation needed to maintain good hygiene and clothing fade away during meth addiction. A loss of appetite begins to grow, resulting in major weight loss. Anyone battling meth addiction will also begin to have spontaneous sleep cycles and will experience constant paranoia. Knowing what signs to look for will give you an idea of whether a loved one is on meth.

Other signs and symptoms to look for:

• A rise in body temperature so high they could pass out or even die.
• Users may feel anxious and confused, be unable to sleep, have mood swings, and become violent.
• A meth user is at higher risk for HIV/AIDS. The drug can affect judgment and lessen inhibitions. Someone under the drug’s influence may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as unsafe sex.
• Obsessively picking at hair or skin.
• Dilated pupils and rapid eye movement.
• Jerky, erratic movements; twitching; facial tics; animated or exaggerated mannerisms; and constant talking.
• Borrowing money often, selling possessions, or stealing.

Methamphetamine Overdoses

Overdosing on meth is still a high possibility for a child or young adult. Many meth overdoses come from making the meth “dirty,” which means the substance itself was mixed with something else to either cut it (lower the product’s purity) or boost the high for the user. However, it is hazardous, especially when you don’t know how your body will react to a substance you’ve never taken and probably haven’t even seen or heard of before.

Moreover, meth overdose treatment is strictly for medical professionals to handle. Doctors will take the proper procedures of giving necessary fluids through an IV to flush out and balance the bloodstream and anywhere else affected. They will also keep close watch of a user’s heart rate and provide medication to slow the heart rate, anxiety, and blood pressure if necessary. If you see any of these signs or symptoms, you could be witnessing an overdose, and a medical professional must be contacted.

Signs of a meth overdose:

• Difficulty breathing
• High body temperature and blood pressure
• Enlarged pupils
• Irregular heart rate
• Paranoia
• Signs of stroke
• Kidney failure
• Stomach pains
• Aching, stinging heart, or heart attack
• Chest pains

Knowing the Difference is Important

Knowing the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine is helpful for anyone who might have either impacting their life. When you suspect someone close to you is abusing drugs, it’s immensely helpful to gain as much knowledge about the potential drug they’re using as possible.

If you or anyone you care for struggles with amphetamine or methamphetamine addiction, help is available. Call us at 1-888-906-0952 to get valuable information on starting the journey to recovery today.

Sources of Information

[1] DEA Fact Sheets: Amphetamine
[2] Drugabuse.gov – Prescription Stimulants
[3] NIDA: Brain and Addiction
[4] Access Medicine: Drugs to Treat Overdoses