What Does Meth Do To The Brain?

Methamphetamine intake triggers heightened activity in the brain, resulting in a swift surge of dopamine and various neurotransmitters. This induces temporary euphoria, including sensations of invincibility, intense pleasure, heightened motivation and energy, and other psychoactive impacts. Meth is a highly addictive substance, contributing to the demise of brain cells, particularly neurons, and causing significant damage to the brain.

To understand how meth affects the brain, let’s explore what meth is, how it operates, and the harm it causes to the brain.

What Is Meth and How Does It Work?

Methamphetamine, also known as d-methamphetamine, meth, or crystal meth, is a synthetic chemical compound that resembles glass fragments, white rocks, or has a bluish tint.

It is created by combining ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with other easily accessible substances like battery acid, lantern fuel, antifreeze, and drain cleaner, commonly found in drugstores or hardware stores. The synthesis involves highly flammable and potentially toxic materials, making the process exceptionally hazardous.

Meth can be ingested either by snorting or smoking. Upon entering the bloodstream, it prompts the release of significant quantities of brain stimulants, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters, akin to the action of other stimulants. This leads to intense euphoria, heightened energy levels, a sense of invincibility, and happiness in the user. However, it also contributes to addiction and abuse.

Effects Of Meth On The Brain

Studies show that the utilization of methamphetamine has a notable impact on the brain and the central nervous system (CNS). Here are some of the primary harmful effects linked to meth use:

1. Impact On The Central Nervous System (CNS)

Methamphetamine consumption leads to heightened neuronal death and a decrease in the number of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Since the CNS has limited capacity for neuronal regeneration, recovery is often unlikely. The impact of meth-induced neuronal death is not restricted to specific brain regions but occurs across the entire brain.

Indeed, methamphetamine inflicts harm on brain areas vital for cognitive functions, nonverbal memory, specific aspects of movement, the capacity to remember and learn new information, various facets of directed attention, complex attention, reasoning, problem-solving, and more. The detrimental effects extend across a range of cognitive processes and functions.

2. Decreases Gliogenesis

Apart from neurons, the brain and central nervous system (CNS) comprise various other cells known as glial cells. These cells perform crucial functions, including facilitating signaling, forming the myelin sheath (a fatty layer around the axon of neurons that enhances effective communication), combating infections, and more.

Methamphetamine use also leads to the demise of these cells in numerous brain regions, particularly affecting the frontal cortex. The frontal cortex is central to essential functions like attention, planning, judgment, and abstract reasoning. Additionally, meth consumption is linked to reduced production of glial progenitor cells, which are the immature precursors that divide into various glial cells.

The damage and death of various glial cells due to methamphetamine use impact myelin production in both the brain and spinal cord. This leads to various functional deficiencies by reducing signal transmission efficiency between neurons in the central nervous system (CNS).

3. Reduction In The Level Of Neurotransmitter Transporters

Specialized cells in the central nervous system (CNS) called neurotransmitter transporters remove produced neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, from the areas in between neurons. These transporters then carry the neurotransmitters back into the cells, which can be repackaged for future use.

Due to the substantial release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters caused by methamphetamine use, the levels of neurotransmitter transporters decrease. This reduction hinders their ability to effectively clear and transport the massive amounts of neurotransmitters for repackaging and reuse.

This depletion of dopamine and serotonin, due to the inadequate availability of these neurotransmitters for later use, results in intense mood effects. After experiencing extreme euphoria, individuals may subsequently go through intense periods of depression, hopelessness, and apathy.

4. Neurotoxic Effects

Methamphetamine consumption induces neurotoxic effects in the brain. The substantial release of neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate and calcium, can result in the overexcitation of neurons. If not appropriately controlled, chronic overexcitation can be detrimental to the body and seriously impair the central nervous system.

Many of these effects damage the dendrites of neurons (the part of a neuron that receives chemical signals from other neurons), hindering effective communication among neurons. In this manner, methamphetamine impacts numerous motor and cognitive functions of the user.

Methamphetamine also inflicts damage on the support system of brain cells, leading to significant cellular collapse. The use of meth further damages the circulatory system in the brain by increasing blood pressure and weakening arteries, veins, and capillaries. This scenario can result in the formation of clots and scars in the blood vessels, posing a potential risk of stroke for meth users.

Read the original article on: Sci Quest

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