Methamphetamine (meth) is a particularly strong and dangerous drug when it comes to substance abuse because it can seriously disrupt the nervous system’s equilibrium. Comprehending the effects of meth on the network of neurons and neurotransmitters is essential to understanding the challenges people encounter when battling addiction. The addiction experts at our Northeast rehab in Wilkes-Barre are examining the intricate relationship between meth and the nervous system, providing insight into the physiological effects associated with this drug. These discoveries can also contribute to existing addiction treatment programs, allowing specialists like our Clearbrook team to adjust their methods as needed to ensure clients receive the most effective care possible.

What Is Methamphetamine’s Mechanism of Action?

Methamphetamine is a highly potent and addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Its main mechanism of action is affecting the brain’s general levels, reuptake, and release of specific neurotransmitters. The mechanism of action of methamphetamine is broken down as follows:

• Dopamine release: The main way that methamphetamine affects the brain’s reward system is by inducing the release of a large amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation, pleasure, and rewards. Extreme euphoria and increased energy are the results of this dopamine surge.
• Norepinephrine release: Methamphetamine also causes a rise in norepinephrine release, which is another neurotransmitter involved in the body’s “fight or flight” response, in addition to dopamine. This causes blood pressure to rise, heart rate to quicken, and alertness to become more acute.
• Serotonin release: Another neurotransmitter linked to mood, appetite, and sleep, serotonin can also be released more readily when methamphetamine is used. But its effects on dopamine and norepinephrine outweigh those on serotonin.
• Reuptake inhibition: Methamphetamine prevents serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine from being reabsorbed. This indicates that these neurotransmitters have a longer half-life in the synaptic cleft, or space between nerve cells, and therefore have a stronger effect on the receiving neuron.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibition: Methamphetamine inhibits the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Methamphetamine adds to the elevated levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain by inhibiting MAO.

The combination of these effects produces a strong, stimulating high that adds to methamphetamine’s highly addictive properties. On the other hand, long-term cognitive deficits can result from neurotoxicity caused by meth abuse, which damages the connections between nerve cells.

Furthermore, the strong release and depletion of neurotransmitters that occur during methamphetamine use may be a factor in the depressive or “crash”-like effects that users frequently experience after the drug wears off. The cycle of addiction may be fueled in part by this euphoric-crash cycle.

How Does Meth Affect the Nervous System?

Methamphetamine has a wide range of physiological and psychological effects because of its profound effects on the nervous system. The major connections between meth and the nervous system are detailed below:

• Onset of the dopaminergic system: Methamphetamine causes the brain’s reward pathway, or mesolimbic system, to release more dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. Strong feelings of euphoria and heightened motivation result from this.
• Release of norepinephrine: Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the body’s “fight or flight” response. Meth also increases norepinephrine levels, causing side effects like increased blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness.
• Activation of the serotonergic system: The brain’s serotonin levels rise when methamphetamine is used. Although its effects on dopamine and norepinephrine take precedence over those on serotonin, it still elevates mood and gives you more energy.
• Blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters: The reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine is inhibited by methamphetamine. The drug increases the duration of these neurotransmitters in the synapses, amplifying their effects and adding to the potent high by preventing their reabsorption into nerve cells.
• Blocking of monoamine oxidase: Monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that degrades neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, is inhibited by methamphetamine. Methamphetamine further raises these neurotransmitter levels in the brain by blocking MAO.
• Neurotoxicity: Methamphetamine use over an extended period can cause neurotoxicity, which lowers serotonin and dopamine levels and damages nerve terminals. Long-term cognitive deficits and other neurological problems may be exacerbated by this damage.
• Hyperactivity and increased wakefulness: Methamphetamine increases physical activity, decreases appetite, and prolongs wakefulness by stimulating the central nervous system.
• Vasoconstriction: Blood vessel constriction brought on by methamphetamine use can result in elevated blood pressure. Heart problems may result from this effect in addition to the drug’s cardiac effects.
• Psychological effects: The use of methamphetamine is linked to improved focus, self-assurance, and invulnerability. On the other hand, hallucinations, anxiety, and paranoia can also result from it.

It’s crucial to remember that while using methamphetamine can be enjoyable in the short term, crystal meth’s effects on nervous system functioning can become severe as a result of long-term use. Chronic use of meth is linked to mood swings, cognitive impairments, and an increased risk of addiction. To address methamphetamine’s effects on the nervous system, those who are addicted to the drug must seek professional rehabilitation, such as medically-assisted meth detox and treatment.

Can Meth Cause Nerve Damage?

Meth’s effects on nervous system functioning can have a long-term impact on nerve connections themselves. When used for long periods, meth can cause nerve damage, including inflammation and nerve cell death.

The release of neurotransmitters like dopamine is closely linked to meth abuse. Drug-seeking behavior evolves from seeking the reward effect of drugs to being triggered by cues associated with drugs during the development of drug addiction.

Consequently, a higher decline in dorsal striatal dopamine in meth abusers may encourage drug use as a habit. Meth modulates the activity of dopamine transporters (DATs) to enhance dopamine neurotransmission.

According to research, individuals who abuse meth have a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease if their DAT levels decline. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain is the cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD).¹

Meth users’ biochemical and neuroimaging showed that their levels of dopamine and DATs were low. Stimulation of microglia in the striatum and other brain regions was also seen, which seems to be comparable to what is seen in Parkinson’s disease patients.¹

What’s more, meth has been linked to neuronal inflammation, which ultimately results in neural decay. The brain is more vulnerable to neuropathology as a result of meth-induced neuroinflammation, either directly or indirectly.²

Getting Help for Meth Addiction

If methamphetamine has taken hold of your life or the life of a loved one, take the first step in the journey to recovery. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we understand the unique challenges posed by meth abuse and are here to offer unwavering support on the path to sobriety.

Don’t let addiction define your future. Our dedicated team of experts stands ready to provide comprehensive and personalized care, addressing the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of methamphetamine dependence.

From a confidential meth hotline to meth addiction treatment and detoxification, our facilities offer a wide range of services that can help you reclaim your life, rediscover your strength, and embrace the transformative power of recovery. The first step is reaching out – call Clearbrook today at 570-536-9621 or contact us online to learn more about the addiction services offered at our Massachusetts and Pennsylvania rehab centers.

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine – Methamphetamine and Parkinson’s disease
2. National Library of Medicine – Molecular bases of methamphetamine-induced neurodegeneration