Heroin vs Methamphetamine (Meth)

What is Meth?

Meth, also known as methamphetamine or crystal meth, is a stimulant drug that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is usually ingested orally, smoked, or injected. The effects of methamphetamine are similar to heroin but significantly more powerful and with greater potential for addiction.

How is Meth Produced?

Most meth is currently produced in small clandestine laboratories from relatively cheap medications that can be purchased over the counter. One such ingredient is pseudoephedrine, a common cold medicine.

It is illegal to produce or possess methamphetamine in most countries, and many have placed limits on purchasing its component parts to make production more difficult. Recently the prospect of using meth has become more hazardous as some producers have started lacing it with fentanyl.

Side Effects of Meth Use

The side effects of methamphetamine use include increased heart rate and blood pressure, restlessness, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, and irritability. Long-term use can lead to extreme weight loss, insomnia, dental problems (known as “meth mouth”), severe anxiety, memory loss, and violent behavior.

How Does Meth Affect the Brain?

Methamphetamine works by increasing the release of dopamine, which produces intense feelings of euphoria. Over time meth use can also lead to tolerance and physical and psychological dependence. It can also damage the regions of the brain that control learning, memory, and the ability to control emotions.

Finally, it greatly depletes levels of dopamine and the way dopamine receptors in the brain work. Low dopamine levels can bring about severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and severe drug cravings as meth leaves the body. These reactions can give rise to compulsive drug-seeking behaviors and continued meth abuse.

Differences Between Heroin Use & Meth

The highs produced by heroin vs meth are in some ways similar and others very different.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a stimulant drug that produces intense feelings of energy and euphoria. Where heroin produces deep relaxation, meth produces an energetic high that often leads users to engage in risky behaviors or develop a psychological dependence on the substance. The effects of heroin last longer than those of meth, but they also take longer to kick in and come with more risks associated with addiction.

Intensity & Duration of a High

Heroin produces a more sedating and relaxing high that can last several hours. In contrast, methamphetamine produces an intense, energetic high that lasts only a few minutes. Additionally, heroin has greater potential for long-term addiction due to its potency and effects on the user’s brain.

Differences in Long-Term Effects & Health Risks

Long-term heroin use can cause severe physical damage, such as respiratory problems, organ failure, and even death. It can also lead to intense physical and psychological dependence.

Methamphetamine has similar long-term effects on the body as heroin but is a much more potent drug. Long-term methamphetamine abuse can cause severe weight loss, anxiety, aggression, depression, and insomnia. Additionally, meth use can also lead to an increased risk of stroke or heart attack in some cases.

Addictiveness

Both heroin and methamphetamine can be highly addictive. However, meth is considered more potent and has a higher potential for addiction. Methamphetamine is more addictive than heroin because it produces more powerful, faster effects that last for shorter amounts of time.

Additionally, meth use can cause increased tolerance and physical dependence. This makes it difficult for users to stop using the drug once they start and increases their risk of addiction.

Looking at heroin vs meth, the former has a greater risk of physical dependence due to its potency and effects on the user’s brain. Studies show that people addicted to heroin have a long history of regular use that can persist for many years.