Meth Research Paper

975 Words2 Pages

When most people think about drug abuse they picture the typical image we have recieved from lessons in school or social media. We see horrifying pictures of vicitims who have become almost unrecoginzable after their drug usage, making us believe that we could never possibly reach that state they have came to. However, many do not understand the serious affects of drug abuse, specifically meth. Although it is typically not the most porpular drug in america, it is one of the most dangerous. It’s affects not only rapidly show physically but they leave users impaired for a continuous amount of time after. Although most do not directly come into contact with using meth it is also present in other drugs that contain amphetamines like adderall, …show more content…

Methamphetamine therefore remains in the brain longer, which ultimately leads to extended stimulant effects. Although both methamphetamine and cocaine maximize levels of dopamine, administration of methamphetamine in animal studies leads to much higher levels of dopamine, because nerve cells respond differently to the two drugs. Cocaine prolongs dopamine actions in the brain by blocking the re-absorption of the neurotransmitter by signaling nerve cells. At low doses, methamphetamine also blocks the re-uptake of dopamine, but it also increases the release of dopamine, leading to much higher concentrations in the synapse, which can be toxic to nerve …show more content…

With some methods of usage, there is a fast rush of euphoria followed by a long period of coming down, where depression takes place. A period of heavy meth use is usually followed by a crash in which the person can’t control his sleepiness. He or she may sleep long hours or keep falling into a sleep. There will be heavy drug cravings during this time period that can lead to another binge. When meth is ingested, there is no rush but the high may last for as long as ten hours. The user feels more energetic, does not sleep for long periods, usually several days, and loses his or her appetite. It is common for meth addicts to lose large amounts of weight and look gaunt, thin and undernourished. He or she will probably appear unusually active but may also act nervous and

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