Amphetamines are chemically made Psychostimulant drugs that come in different forms & names. Psychostimulant drugs increase activity in the brain and often affect the "reward center" or limbic system. They are professionally manufactured and can be used for legitimate purposes in treating disorders. But illegal labs distribute them and abuse/addiction can lead to permanent brain damage and behavioral problems. They can be combined with other drugs to form derivatives, such as "speed" or ecstasy, and be taken in multiple ways.
A common, modern-day derivative that is extremely potent/addictive is methamphetamine. Meth users are often very energetic, fidgety, paranoid, euphoric, alert, and overly confident. They talk fast, can't sleep, and have impaired judgement. Long time users can suffer from "Amphetamine Psychosis" which can lead to hallucinations as well. These highs usually last longer than most other drugs and have a greater impact on a person's consciousness. Physical effects include high blood pressure, faster heart rate, higher body temperature, harder breathing, pupil dilation, and headaches. In recent years, these drugs have become popular among women trying to lose weight or cope with depression; teens looking for a long high or boost of energy; and others under severe stress.
This is a neuron through which chemical neurotransmitters, such as Dopamine, travel to different parts of the brain. Chemicals that are most directly affected by amphetamines include dopamine, serotonin, & norepinephrine. When amphetamines contact the axon terminal, it releases a larger than normal amount of these chemicals resulting in a high.
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Our central nervous system initiates our physical responses in life by working with the brain. It is responsible for our "Fight or flight" response when under stress and our food/sex drive. Amphetamines disrupt this natural process and can make addicts do things they normally would not do. Our sense of danger is compromised leading to impaired judgements.
Studies on the effects of methamphetamine on the brain shows significant brain tissue/cell damage. This image shows the surface of the brain and limbic system. Areas in red depict greater areas of tissue loss. Drug addiction, rewards/happiness, and our moods/emotion all stem from the limbic system. Eleven percent of this region was destroyed in the brains of amphetamine abusers. They were said to be, "Depressed, anxious and unable to concentrate." Their Hippoampus (responsible for memories) lost 8% of its tissue. And nerve fibers (white matter) were extremely inflamed making their brains 10% larger than normal.
(Top-rear): Cerebral Cortex, Green: Limbic System, Orange: Brain Stem.
1.) Drug enters brain through bloodstream
2.) Releases an excess amount of different neurotransmitters:
a.) Norepinephrine: "Stress hormone" involved in fight/flight responses.
b.) Dopamine: Involved in movement, cognition, sleep, mood, "rewarding" the brain.
c.) Serotonin: Affects aggression, body temperature, appetite, and sexuality.
3.) Affecting the cerebral cortex, Amphetamines cause energy and euphoria.
4.) Pleasure/Reward center (Limbic system) is targeted last.
Long time addicts of amphetamines often develop something called Amphetamine Psychosis. They show physical, behavioral, and mental signs of toxicity resulting from the drug. Paranoia, violence, exhaustion, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and nervousness can get out of control and cause problems socially. Other organs like the liver/kidneys can be damaged after long time addiction of amphetamines and can lead to their death.
SOURCES:
Blakeslee, Sandra. "This is Your Brain on Meth." The New York Times. 20 July 2004. 21 Oct. 2008 http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990ce4dd103af933a15754c0a9629c8b63.
Chudler, Eric H. "Amphetamines." Washington.edu. Univ. of Washington. 21 Oct. 2008 http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/amp.html.
Erowid. "Amphetamines." Erowid.org. 25 Feb. 2008. 21 Oct. 2008 http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/amphetamines/amphetamines_effects.shtml.
Lukas, Scott E. Amphetamines: Danger in the Fast Lane. New York: Chelsea House, 1992.
"Effects of ATS abuse." APAIC. UNODC. 23 Oct. 2008 http://www.apaic.org/ats_info/effectsofatsabusenew.html.
"Hart Biology 2007." GetRealScience. Mr. Hart. 23 Oct. 2008 http://www.getrealscience.com/hartbio07/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/neuron1.gif.
"Meth and your Body." State of Montana. 23 Oct. 2008
