Adderall and methamphetamine are both stimulants. Both may be used for legitimate medical purposes, and both are often abused (which, in both cases, can lead to addiction). So does this mean they’re the same? Is Adderall meth?

Is Adderall the Same as Methamphetamine?

Sometimes, before we can answer a question about substance abuse or mental health, we have to provide some important background information first, so the reply that we provide makes sense. 

This is not one of those times. 

In this case, we can answer the question at the top of this page quickly and succinctly. Is Adderall the same as methamphetamine? In other words, is Adderall meth? No, it is not. (And yes, that applies to each of the questions in the previous paragraph.)

Adderall and methamphetamine share a few key characteristics, which we will address in the next section. These two substances also have some important differences, which we will mention after we’ve discussed their similarities.

But in terms of Adderall and meth being two different words for the same substance, this is one of those rare times when a substance-related question doesn’t require a complex answer.

So, as a quick review: Is Adderall meth? No, it’s not. Is Adderall similar to meth? To get that answer, you’ll need to read at least one more section.

Similarities Between Adderall & Meth

One of the reasons why people ask, “Is Adderall meth?” is that these two substances do share some similarities:

• Adderall and methamphetamine are both stimulants.
• Adderall is composed of multiple variants of amphetamine (including racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). Methamphetamine’s chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine.
• Adderall is commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Under the brand name Desoxyn, methamphetamine is also sometimes used to treat ADHD.
• Both Adderall and methamphetamine are often abused.
• Both Adderall and methamphetamine are addictive.

Differences Between Adderall & Meth

Since we’ve established that the answer to the question, “Is Adderall meth?” is no, let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two substances:

• Adderall is the brand name of a legal prescription medication. Methamphetamine is a drug that, with few exceptions, is illegal to possess and use in the United States.
• Meth can appear in many forms, including as a pill, powder, or rock (crystal). Adderall is almost always taken as a tablet.
• When taken in equal amounts, methamphetamine is more powerful than Adderall. 
• Because meth is more likely to be acquired from illicit sources, it may pose a greater danger than Adderall to people who take these substances for recreational purposes.

Effects of Adderall and Meth Abuse

Addictions to Adderall, methamphetamine, or other stimulants can wreak havoc on a person’s physical health and psychological well-being. Someone who abuses Adderall or methamphetamine may risk the following outcomes:

• Cognitive deficits
• Outbursts of aggression or violence
• Development or worsening of mental health disorders
• Diminished performance at work or in school
• Academic failure, job loss, and unemployment
• Physical injuries due to behaviors while under the influence of Adderall or meth
• Sexual dysfunction
• Malnutrition
• Heart problems
• Being arrested and jailed
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Addiction
• Overdose
• Death

Once a person develops an addiction to Adderall or methamphetamine, they may lose the ability to control how often they use these drugs or how much they use. Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease – which means that if a person doesn’t get proper care, they can quickly become trapped in the downward spiral of compulsive Adderall or meth abuse.

Thankfully, addiction is a treatable condition. When someone gets the right type and level of care, they can end their substance use and begin to build a healthier life in recovery.

Treatment Options for Adderall or Meth Addiction

When someone is receiving treatment for an addiction to Adderall, methamphetamine, or any other substance, personalization is the key to success. To be most effective, treatment must identify and address the full scope of the individual’s needs, which may include co-occurring mental health concerns.

Many people who have become addicted to Adderall or methamphetamine may need to start their recovery journey in a detoxification, or detox, program. This is a short-term experience that can help people get through withdrawal safely and with minimized distress.

After detox, the individual can begin to develop the skills that will support their successful recovery. At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we offer the following three outpatient options:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient program (OP)

Within each of these programs, patients can receive customized services from skilled professionals. Depending on several personal factors, an individual’s care may include elements such as:

• Group and family therapy sessions
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Music therapy
• Other services as appropriate 

Find Treatment for Drug Addiction in Nashville, TN

If you have been struggling with an addiction to Adderall, methamphetamine, or another substance, please know this: Help is available, and treatment works. At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we understand the many ways that addiction can impact a person’s life – and our team of experts is prepared to provide the customized outpatient services that can help you achieve a healthier and more hopeful future.

Untreated addiction can be devastating. But the day you enter treatment at our center in Nashville, Tennessee, you can minimize your risk for future harm while beginning to heal from any damage that you have already incurred. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our admissions page or call us today.