Methamphetamine essays

Methamphetamine essays In the last decade, methamphetamine use has dramatically increased throughout the United States. This growing epidemic raises concerns for a variety of reasons. First, methamphetamine is extremely addictive and often leads to compulsive use. Secondly, this is particularly problematic because as the abuse problem continues to rise, a growing body of research is demonstrating a wide range of neurotoxic effects that can result from the drug. Methamphetamine administration in laboratory animals has been proven to cause profound and long-lasting toxicity of the brain, most notably to dopamine terminals (Volkow, et al. 2001, p. 377). Recent studies have confirmed that methamphetamine abuse exerts similar effects on dopaminergic systems in humans as well, in addition to other structures of the brain. Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, mood, and motor coordination (Imaging Studies, 2001, p. 12). Damage to dopamine-related structures is linked to numerous l ong-term consequences, including memory impairment, motor deficits, mood disorders, psychiatric symptoms, anxiety problems, and increased aggressive tendencies. In a recent study conducted by Volkow and her colleagues, certain brain areas of methamphetamine users were compared to a control group using positron emission tomography (PET). All of the users met the DSM-IV criteria for dependence on the substance. Their length of abstinence from the drug ranged from 2 weeks to 35 months, and none had a prior history of drug addiction. The comparison group consisted of healthy volunteers with no past history of drug use. The focus of this study was to assess memory and motor impairments due to dopamine transporter reductions in methamphetamine abusers. Researchers were also interested in determining whether the drug produced any significant effect on portions of the brain not innervated by dopamine. A similar study was conducted by Sekine and his...