Illegal drugs are everywhere. They have been around for some time and they all are agreeably bad, each one with its own effects and dangers. But when we look at drugs, what can we see? Beyond the harm that they can do and the destruction that they can cause, what can drugs teach us about the brain? To find the answer to that, we can start by understanding the true nature of a considerably well-known drug, Methamphetamine (otherwise known by its street name, meth).
Illegal drugs are everywhere. They have been around for some time and they all are agreeably bad, each one with its own effects and dangers. But when we look at drugs, what can we see? Beyond the harm that they can do and the destruction that they can cause, what can drugs teach us about the brain? To find the answer to that, we can start by understanding the true nature of a considerably well-known drug, Methamphetamine (otherwise known by its street name, meth).
Before we look at what Methamphetamine really does to the brain, we first need to understand what it is. Methamphetamine, simply put, is a chemical stimulant, meaning it encourages the firing of neurons in the brain. It's not very different from common substances like sugar or baking soda and it has a simple chemical formula: C10H15N. It is this specific chemical formula, however, which makes Methamphetamine a potent and illegal drug.
Once Methamphetamine makes its way into the human body, it travels along pathways in the body until it reaches the limbic system. The limbic system is a group of brain structures that manage multiple bodily functions and activities. This system contains the brain's reward circuit, which links together a number of brain structures that control and regulate our ability to feel pleasure. This feeling is what motivates us to repeat certain behaviors. It is caused by the activation of certain chemicals in certain neurons. For example, when you eat something which tastes good to you, it tastes good because the food activates your reward system. The motivation to eat tasty food again comes from your memory of the feeling you had the first time you ate it. This is similar to what drug addicts feel, only a lot stronger.
The gap between the dendrites of the transmitting neuron and the receiving neuron is called a synaptic gap. When a certain neuron is activated, it releases an electrical signal which then triggers a series of chemical reactions which ultimately releases chemicals called neurotransmitters from the synapse. These chemicals interact with the receiving neuron at its receptors to create more signals, which is the driving force behind feelings such as anger, happiness, and stress. It is in this place, the synaptic gap, where Methamphetamine makes its move.
The happiness a person feels from doing certain activities is caused by the release of dopamine. Like all neurotransmitters, once dopamine activates the neuron at its receptors, it retreats back to the delivering neuron for reuse in the transmission of happiness. Methamphetamine blocks the passages which allow the dopamine to retreat to the neuron that had been housing them. This creates an abundance of dopamine in the synaptic gap and, as a result, they keep activating the receptors, causing a sort of "high" and making the person feel immense pleasure.
Over time, the neuron's ability to create a signal from the transmission of dopamine degrades, due to the fact that it is constantly being activated, and, as a result, it requires more dopamine to process happiness. This is why withdrawal from drugs like "meth" is so painful. Emotionally, the person can no longer feel happiness because of drugs. This is often what drives drug addicts to take their own life. This also explains why it is so hard to detach yourself from drugs like Methamphetamine.
A majority of those addicted to Methamphetamine and other drugs, try and free themselves of the addiction on their own. Sometimes, it works out for the addict. Other times, they fail to detach themselves. One of the best ways to fix such an addiction is a treatment center because of the experience of the many people there. However, many people addicted to drugs don't get help from others, in fear of being caught or arrested for possession. If we are to learn more about how to fight these drugs and take a valuable stand against them, we must first help this country's drug-addicted population get the help they need.