Metamphetamine as an Addictive Drug

Metamphetamine is an addictive drug that boosts the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates brain cells, enhances mood, and makes users more animated (Muir, 2001). It has raised concerns because it may be neurotoxic to the human brain. Volkow, Chang, Wang, Fowler, Franceschi, Sedler, Gatley, Hitzmann, Ding, Wong, and Logan (2001) noted that research has focused on the effects of metamphetamine on dopamine cells and has also generated evidence that other neuronal types are affected. In a study involving 15 detoxified metamphetamine abusers and a control group, Volkow, et al (2001) used positron emission tomography to examine whole brain metabolism and found that it was 14 percent higher in the metamphetamine group than in the control group. It is possible that the higher metabolism seen in the parietal cortex

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icted to this drug may experience the equivalent of 40 to 50 years worth of aging that negatively affects many mental functions. Speed is perhaps much more damaging than either cocaine or alcohol. It may place people at high risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons disease (Muir, 2001). Derlet and Heischober (1990) pointed out that toxic doses of this substance cause agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, delirium, and seizures, possibly leading to death. Some cardiovascular symptoms caused by metamphetamine toxicity include hypertension, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythms, and myocardial ischemia (i.e., an insufficient blood supply to the heart). Clinicians should also be aware of the symptoms of metamphetamine toxicity that include psychosis, violence, seizure, and the cardiovascular disturbances listed above. Treatment Alternatives Several treatment alternatives for metamphetamine or speed addiction have been described in the literature. Derlet and Heischober (1990) stated that the drugs haloperidol and diazepam (i.e., valium) are used clinically to counteract central nervous system toxicity, including hyperactivity and agitation. Drugs that lower blood pressure, such as beta blockers and calcium channe
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