Meth Vs. MDMA | Differences & Similarities

Meth (methamphetamine) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) are psychostimulants or mind-altering drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. 

There are differences and similarities between the two drugs, from their immediate effects to how they can cause long-term damage to your health.

Meth Vs. MDMA High

Both meth and MDMA are amphetamine drugs, so they give you a boost of energy and a sense of euphoria. 

Unlike meth, MDMA is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It alters your senses and your perception of time in addition to its stimulant effects. Its hallucinogenic properties make it popular as a “club drug,’ often used by young adults at raves and music festivals.

MDMA can make you feel emotionally close to people around you, even if you don’t know them. Meth, on the other hand, tends to decrease social interaction.

A human study comparing the two drugs found that a single dose of methamphetamine improved cognitive and psychomotor performance. (People on meth were able to focus more and had more control over their body movements.) A single dose of MDMA disrupted these skills. 

This finding suggests that meth works more like other amphetamine drugs than MDMA does. 

MDMA Vs. Meth In The Brain

Both meth and MDMA work by increasing the function of monoamine neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain’s reward system. Essentially, they make you feel good.

Methamphetamine causes the brain to release more dopamine and also blocks dopamine reuptake. This surge of dopamine produces euphoria.

MDMA affects dopamine, too, as well as norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters give you a pleasurable feeling when you do something to boost their presence, such as exercising or taking drugs. Serotonin levels are most affected by MDMA.

After abusing meth, you’re left with depleted dopamine levels, which can cause depression and other negative emotions. The same occurs with serotonin after MDMA abuse, and a negative mood may persist for a week or so after you use MDMA.

Meth Vs. MDMA Side Effects

Stimulant drugs affect the central nervous system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Adverse effects of methamphetamine and MDMA may include:

• loss of appetite
• sleep disruptions
• insomnia
• hyperactivity
• restlessness
• agitation
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• tachycardia (racing heart rate)
• hyperthermia (raised body temperature)

MDMA Vs. Meth Long-Term Effects

There’s quite a bit of difference between the long-term effects of MDMA use and methamphetamine use. 

People usually smoke or inject meth. MDMA is generally taken orally in tablet form. That means that meth comes with the risk of respiratory issues if smoked and a host of problems—such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections—if you inject it.

MDMA doesn’t seem to take a severe toll on the body over time, but abusing it can cause cognitive damage, especially concerning memory or emotion. Meth can also harm brain function in these areas, as well as in decision-making and the ability to break bad habits.

Methamphetamine is known for causing tooth decay (“meth mouth”) due to dry mouth and poor oral hygiene. People who are addicted to meth may also have skin sores resulting from skin picking. The drug can produce the sensation that bugs are crawling under the skin (“meth mites”). 

Meth can also lead to psychological disturbances that may linger for months after you stop abusing it. Mood disturbances associated with MDMA are usually short-term, lasting a week or so.

Meth & MDMA Are Controlled Substances

Meth and MDMA are classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as drugs of abuse. 

MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has no approved medical use and a high potential for abuse. 

Meth is a Schedule II controlled substance. It’s widely abused and very addictive but is also medically approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Some people use it medically for weight loss.

Overdose Risk With Meth Vs. MDMA

You can overdose on methamphetamine by taking too much at once or using it too often. Binging makes overdose more likely, as the drug doesn’t have a chance to leave your system before you take more. 

MDMA overdose is less common but still possible. It usually results from a tablet containing other drugs (like fentanyl) or more MDMA than anticipated. Some countries, like Australia and the UK, offer pill testing at festivals to reduce overdose risk.

Polysubstance abuse—or combining drugs—makes overdose more likely. Your chances of overdosing go up the more you abuse meth or MDMA, if you get it from a disreputable source (which is often the case with illegal drugs), and if you’re suffering from addiction.

MDMA & Meth Are Addictive

MDMA and methamphetamine are addictive. Repeated drug use changes how your brain is structured, making its reward system less active without drugs. 

If you abuse methamphetamine or MDMA, your brain will stop producing as much dopamine or serotonin on its own. You won’t feel the same pleasure with healthy activities like exercise or sex as you will with the drug. 

This depletion of vital neurotransmitters may lead you to crave meth or MDMA and increase drug use, trapping you in the cycle of addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to methamphetamine or MDMA, it’s never the wrong time to ask for help. 

Our comprehensive and personalized rehab programs at Ark Behavioral Health are available to guide you out of addiction and into a healthier life. Speak with one of our treatment specialists today to learn more.