Table of Contents
TL;DR Adderall is a prescription combination of amphetamine salts used for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy under medical supervision. Methamphetamine is a related stimulant with limited, rare medical use (Desoxyn) and much higher risk when produced or used illicitly.
Educate your teen on the risks of counterfeit “Adderall” in informal markets and how stimulant abuse can increase the risk of serious health effects such as psychosis, seizures, and heart problems [1] [2].
Key takeaways:
- Different compounds and contexts: Adderall = mixed amphetamine salts, Methamphetamine = N-methylamphetamine with greater brain penetration and misuse risk, especially in illicit supply.
- Both are Schedule II in the U.S.: Legitimate use requires diagnosis, monitoring, and controlled dispensing. Diversion and non-prescribed sale/possession are illegal.
- Counterfeit danger: “Adderall” from non-pharmacy sources may contain fentanyl or other adulterants; do not buy online without a valid prescription.
- Teens need specialized care: Integrated, family-centered adolescent programs are the safest route when misuse emerges.
What are Amphetamines, and How Does Adderall Fit In?
Amphetamines are a class of stimulants that includes levoamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and mixed amphetamine salts (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse). These are prescribed under the supervision of a clinical psychiatrist for the treatment of ADHD and Narcolepsy.
Specifically, Adderall combines dextro- and levo-amphetamine in specific ratios to deliver therapeutic effects on attention and impulse control under clinician guidance [5].
Is Adderall the Same as Meth?
No. Adderall contains amphetamine salts, while methamphetamine is a related molecule with an added methyl group that increases lipid solubility and brain entry, altering potency and risk. Both act primarily as norepinephrine-dopamine releasing agents, increasing synaptic dopamine and norepinephrine.
However, methamphetamine’s added methyl group facilitates faster central nervous system (CNS) entry relative to amphetamine at comparable doses. Meth is linked to a higher neurotoxicity risk, psychosis, aggression, and stronger patterns of use outside of medical settings [1] [2].
Meth is riskier in typical real-world use because illicit meth is often a higher dose, rapidly CNS-penetrant, and unregulated. It’s common for illicit meth to have adulterants, including flammable chemicals, which can complicate the effects of meth. Adderall, when prescribed, is monitored through strict dosing to minimize the neurotoxic risks of taking excessive stimulants.
“Meth vs. Adderall” At a Glance
What Should Parents and Teens Watch For?
The warning signs of meth or stimulant abuse include increasing dose, “crash” days, secrecy around pills, sleep loss, palpitations, new anxiety/paranoia, or sourcing pills online. Other signs to watch for that could indicate methamphetamine use include:
- Dilated, large pupils and bags under eyes from lack of sleep.
- Trouble focusing, academic decline, or skipping school.
- Lying, manipulating friends and family, stealing money.
- Impulsive, dangerous behaviors or getting involved in exploitative relationships.
- Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations. Your teen might believe they are being watched or followed.
What To Do If Your Teen is Abusing Stimulants (Step-By-Step)
If you believe your teen is abusing stimulants such as adderall or methamphetamine, below are a few steps to take to secure their safety.
- Secure stimulant medications (if present in the home): Lock the medicine cabinet and count doses. If they are abusing meth, look for paraphernalia and try to figure out where they are getting it from to cut off their source.
- Verify supply: Use only U.S.-licensed pharmacies/legit telehealth providers that can prescribe Adderall. Make sure your teen is not buying counterfeit pills on social media.
- Contact Provider: If your teen is prescribed adderall and showing warning signs of abuse, contact their PCP or provider and discuss symptoms, sleep, appetite, and side effects.
- Open Conversation: Have a non-judgmental, proactive conversation about stimulant use, especially emphasizing the dangers of meth, and how it can lead to serious long-term effects, including schizophrenia, dental decay, homelessness, and violent crime.
- Plan Supports: Connect your teen with professional treatment and ensure they have a support system. This could include family therapy + school coordination, or a teen residential treatment program for stimulant abuse.
Compassionate and Tailored Care for Teenage Drug Addiction in TX
Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from behavioral addictions, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Our licensed and accredited facilities are dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care and education for parents and caregivers of youth.
We provide a combination of evidence-based treatments for teens recovering from meth addiction and stimulant abuse, and have several levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP). Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your teen.
FAQs
Is Adderall the same as meth?
No, they have different active compounds, dosing, indications, and risk profiles.
Is Adderall “speed”?
Illegal amphetamines have historically been referred to as “speed” by teens, primarily when taken for recreational use or as a “study drug”.
Is it safe to buy Adderall online without a prescription?
No. That’s illegal and strongly linked to counterfeits and contamination. Avoid at all costs.
What about “Adderall” bought in Mexico or on vacation?
Avoid cross-border pill shopping. DEA analysis of pills bought from border-town Mexican pharmacies showed extremely high rates of contamination of products sold as “Adderall.” Of 45 “Adderall” tablets purchased from Mexican tourist pharmacies and tested in a UCLA study, 9 of them contained methamphetamine [7].
Do test kits make street pills safe?
No. Test limitations mean results can be incomplete, and cannot verify dose or purity.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024). Methamphetamine DrugFacts. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024). Prescription Stimulants DrugFacts. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023). Desoxyn (methamphetamine HCl) Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024). Adderall/Adderall XR Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024). BeSafeRx: Know Your Online Pharmacy. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/besafe-rx
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024). Warning letters to illegal online pharmacies. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations
- UCLA Health Newsroom (2023). Counterfeit pills in Mexican pharmacies study. https://newsroom.ucla.edu/
Mike Carter, LCDC
Alumni Relations Manager
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
