Methamphetamine
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 long-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 metham
Clearly, methamphetamine has numerous dangerous effects on the human brain. Researchers are continuing to progress in their attempts to identify more brain structures and regions that are affected by the drug. Further research is likely to determine the extent to which methamphetamine abuse is related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, long-term studies over the course of many years will be necessary to determine the full extent to which neurological recovery from meth abuse is possible. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to inform meth abusers of the potential consequences of their use, and more effective treatment methods need to be developed (Volkow, et al., 2001, p. 381). In the same way, the general public needs to be educated about the specific neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine rather the current trend of warning people primarily about the addictive potential of the drug and the social dysfunctions that can result from its use. In both studies described so far, levels of dopamine transporters in both the caudate and putamen were similarly reduced. The putamen is most important for motor abilities, while the caudate is more involved in cognitive operations, thus explaining an increase in memory impairment among meth users as well (Volkow et al., 2001, p. 380). This idea is consistent with an earlier study in which long-term meth users tested significantly worse than controls on a battery of tests involving the recall of words and pictures, manipulation of information, the ability to focus on a task while ignoring irrelevant information, and abstract thinking ("Methamphetamine Abuse Linked," 2000, p. 1). Contrary to Volkow's finding, Simon concluded that task performance was not related to total duration of use, but rather to specific patterns of use, including dosage and frequency. Also, results show that subjects who inject the drug intravenously generally perform worse on cognitive and motor tasks when compared to those who smoke, snort, or orally ingest the drug. PET scans in Sekine's group measured dopamine transporter levels in the caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex. Results showed significantly lower dopamine transporter density and binding potential in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex among the meth-using group. In both Volkow's and Sekine's studies, when compared to non-users, PET scans revealed a much lower distribution volume in the caudate and the putamen in meth users. These results have led
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Approximate Word count = 1686
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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