Research Paper On Methamphetamines

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Psy 430 Essay 4 –Methamphetamine Due: 10/18/12 Drugs are used with the purpose of altering one’s state of consciousness or being. Often, drugs may be abused because a person is seeking a pleasurable high. Not only may people develop a psychological dependence on a drug, but they also develop a physical dependence due to altered brain structure. Drug use not only has a direct effect on the brain and body, but often may lead to a destructive lifestyle involving violence, crime, poverty, and poor health. Methamphetamines are stimulants known to have a devastating effect on its users psychologically and physically. As more research is done on the short and long term effects of methamphetamines, the underlying mechanisms can help shed light…show more content…
The neurotransmitters involved are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine – which pertain to behavioral effects. Dopamine is associated with pleasure and the reward centers of the brain such as the nucleus accumbens, serotonin with mood, and norepinephrine with adrenaline and the autonomic nervous system. These correspond with the common side effects of euphoria, impulsivity, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, decreased hunger, impaired judgment, anxiety, paranoia, and alertness (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2012). The documentary showed examples of many cases of people who experienced hallucinations and delusions that put them in danger and inhibited their ability to reason and make sense of reality. The methamphetamines alter the neurotransmitter function and thus brain and behavioral function, having a widespread effect on cognitive…show more content…
The documentary showed how users experience meth mouth, visibly seem to age, and may experience other complications due to neglected health. The brain areas that are damaged have implications for decreased cognitive function and also the ability to experience pleasure because of the dopaminergic pathways which may be altered (NIDA, 2012). There is also an increased risk of stroke due to increased blood pressure from the effect on the autonomic nervous system, which has implications for brain function and a neurotoxic cascade effect (Buttner, 2011). There are also serious effects on mental health. While taking the drug, many people may experience paranoia and psychosis, but these symptoms may last long after the drug has worn off and have permanent repercussions. Methamphetamine-associated psychosis is being studied in regards to why some people are more susceptible to these permanent effects, pointing towards gene and environmental factors. The hallucinations and delusions may be quite prolonged and impair one’s daily living (Grant et al., 2012). Research is also looking into similarities with Parkinson’s Disease and schizophrenia because of the damage to dopamine areas such as the striatum and substantia nigra and are trying to learn more about the mechanisms involved with these disorders (NIDA, 2012). Methamphetamine use shows how drugs can alter neurotransmitter function and thus perception of reality. Their

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