Methadone and methamphetamine sound similar, but these drugs differ in helping or harming. Methadone can alleviate withdrawal and desire in people who struggle with opioid addiction. Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that often has devastating health risks.
Understanding the differences between these substances is crucial for those facing addiction. Let’s learn more about methadone and methamphetamine.
Are methadone the same as methamphetamine?
The simple answer is no. “Methamphetamine” is the abbreviation for methamphetamine, a drug with a high risk of addiction. Methadone is a drug used to treat drug abuse.
Methadone and methamphetamine similarity
Methamphetamine and methadone have some characteristics:
- Classification: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies these two drugs as Schedule II substances, meaning they have high potential for extreme psychological or physical dependence.
- Chemical structure: Methyl and methadone are synthetic, meaning they are artificial rather than natural.
- Drug Target Area: Both drugs affect the central nervous system, but they do so in different ways.
- Abuse Potential: Although methamphetamine is more addictive, methadone also poses a risk of abuse.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Stopping any substance will lead to physical and psychological withdrawal.
Methadone and methamphetamine differences
Despite their similarity, there are key differences between methamphetamine and methadone:
- Drug Type: Methamphetamine is an amphetamine. Methadone belongs to the category of opioid analgesics.
- mechanism: Methamphetamine works from the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Methadone binds to Mu-Apoid receptors in the brain to alter pain perception.
- Effect: Methadone lacks the physical “rush” of other opioids. Meth can cause feelings of energy and well-being, as well as body effects such as rapid breathing.
- Addiction and Extraction: Although both are at risk of abuse, methamphetamine is more addictive. Methadone withdrawal symptoms are not as strong as short-term medications.
- Regulations and laws: Except in controlled cases, the production and distribution of methamphetamine is illegal. Licensed providers allocate statutory methadone according to strict regulations.
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, or “methamphetamine”, is a highly addictive stimulant made from over-the-counter drugs. In 2022, over 2.7 million people in the United States have used methamphetamine in the past 12 months.
Methyl ingredients
The most common main ingredient of methamphetamine is pseudoephedrine. Many cold and sinus medications contain this congestion drug. Manufacturers may add other substances, such as opioids such as baking soda or fentanyl.
One of the dangers of methamphetamine is not knowing what is inside.
Use of methamphetamine
There are four different forms of methyl:
- powder: Methyl methyl powdered form is usually sneezed. Users can also swallow or dissolve powder and inject powder.
- crystal: This is the strongest form of drugs that are usually injected or smoked.
- liquid: Dealers can dissolve the powder in water for transportation.
- pill: Illegal recreational methyl pills contain other substances, such as caffeine.
The length and intensity of a drug’s action depends on how it enters the body.
Methyl effect
By releasing chemicals from the brain, METH causes physical and psychological effects, such as:
- Feeling of joy
- Breathe quickly
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Overheating (high temperature)
- Increase energy and speak
- Heart pal or irregular heartbeat
Methyl Health Risks
Methamphetamine use can have devastating short- and long-term health risks:
- short term: Methamphetamine use can lead to a fatal overdose. High doses can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or organ problems.
- long: Meth is highly addictive. Long-term use can change the brain and increase the risk of anxiety, depression and psychosis. User experiences severe weight loss, skin sores and irreversible brain damage. In addition, the use of methamphetamine can cause serious dental problems such as tooth decay and losses, called “methyl mouth”.
Methamphetamine usage has a history of high mortality rates, with the U.S. quadrupled in the U.S. between 2013 and 2019.
Is methamphetamine legal?
In limited cases, the form of methamphetamine is legal. FDA-approved Desoxyn® is a prescribed central nervous system stimulant. Doctors may prescribe toxicity to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methamphetamine is illegal in addition to approved medical uses. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) revolves around the manufacturing, sales and hiding of the drug. The 2005 combat methamphetamine epidemic banned over-the-counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine.
What is methadone?
Methadone is a legal drug commonly used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). This is one of three OUD treatments approved by the FDA.
The Drug Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) controls the distribution of methadone.
Methadone Ingredients
Methadone is both the name of the drug and its active ingredient.
American methadone brands include vacuum cleaners, methadone, disc dispersible and methadone HCI Intensol.
Methadone use
The main function of methadone is pain management. It works by changing receptors in the brain to block pain.
Methadone use includes:
- OUD Treatment: Methadone detox substances and reduce withdrawal.
- Moderate to severe pain management: Doctors prescribe methadone for cancer, chronic pain or advanced disease.
- Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS): Drug abuse during pregnancy can affect the fetus. Methadone can provide supportive treatment for NAS despite not being approved by the FDA.
Methadone Health Risks
Overuse of methadone increases the risk of addiction. The body is dependent on medications and stopping can have unpleasant effects. Under the methadone treatment plan, clients gradually reduce withdrawal intensity.
Like many drugs, methadone can have short-term and long-term side effects:
- short term: You may experience headaches, upset, nausea, mood changes and weight gain.
- long: SAMHSA, used under medical supervision, believes methadone can be used for long-term use. However, possible effects include respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems. Frequent use can lead to addiction, which may require methadone detox treatment.
Methadone treatment requires diagnosis and must be performed in medical care.
Benefits of Methadone Addiction Treatment
Addiction recovery is a physical and psychologically challenging process. Here are some reasons why methadone is a useful tool in addiction treatment:
- Reduce drug cravings: Methadone acts on opioid receptors in the brain to prevent cravings.
- Relieve withdrawal symptoms: Common withdrawal symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and body pain. Methadone helps avoid these symptoms.
- Dull Opioid Effects: Methadone reduces the hasty experience when using drugs such as heroin.
- Prevent recurrence: The lack of craving or withdrawal makes the possibility of relapse less likely.
- Improve quality of life: Addiction may be all consumed. Unleash your grip so you can enjoy life.
- Improve recovery opportunities: Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) provides detox and exit management. Medical professionals execute the program to ensure safety. The chance of successful recovery when using MMT increases.
Why trust us to seek help in addiction recovery?
At Diamond House detox, we seek to address the root causes of addiction. We have formed a team of professionals specializing in substance abuse treatment.
We have extensive experience in methamphetamine and methadone addiction. Our holistic approach includes detox programs and in-house accompanying medical services. Treating addiction means addressing potential mental illness in a safe, enthusiastic environment.
Trust Diamond House Detox to Support Your Addiction Recovery Journey
The first step towards addiction recovery is often the hardest. Diamond House Detox is here to make the journey easier. We know that entering into healing requires courage, so we create a warm and enthusiastic environment.
If you or a loved one faces meth or methadone addiction, we can help. Our tailored treatment plan addresses every aspect of addiction. We provide methamphetamine detox through treatment and medical treatment.
Learn more about our outpatient and inpatient stability services in Northern California and Sacramento. Please call us at 888-205-9455 or contact us online now.
