Publication details
The neurobiology of methamphetamine abuse
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2003 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Adiktologie |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Pharmacology and pharmaceutical chemistry |
| Keywords | methamphetamine; pharmacological mechanisms; addiction; treatment |
| Description | Methamphetamine synthesized in 1887, also known as "speed", "crank", "go", "meth", or "poor man's cocaine", was used in the clinic until the 1930s. At present methamphetamine illegal production has led to widespread problems with its abuse. Methamphetamine causes dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin release into the synapses in areas of the brain involved in reward and movement resulting in strong and long-lasting stimulant effects with rapid onset. Chronic methamphetamine intake produces: alterations in certain brain receptors and in biochemical mechanisms that regulate normal brain functions; neurotoxic damage to serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons; psychiatric complications such as paranoia, and hallucinations. The article reports on neurobiological and behavioral studies identifying methamphetamine-induced neuroadaptations and relating them to behavioral changes contributing to reinforcement drug-taking behavior, craving and relapse. Finally, an information on current approaches to treatment of methamphetamine dependence including the Methamphetamine Treatment Discovery Program (MTDP) and the Methamphetamine Clinical Trials Group (MCTG) established by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (http://www.drugabuse.gov/funding/SigMention04.html) is provided. |
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