This image shows the pattern of brain tissue loss in methamphetamine users, relative to normal healthy adults, mapped using a method called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The areas in red are those with the greatest loss and it is clear that methamphetamine addiction dramatically affects many parts of the brain. The brain areas that suffer the greatest damage are those involved in memory, emotion, and reward (Thompson, 2004).

It is not important that you understand the details of the methods used to make the images shown in Figures 1-3 or exactly what parts of the brain are affected by methamphetamine abuse. What is important to understand and remember is that many scientific studies have shown that meth abuse is a real diseases that changes the brain just like high blood pressure or high cholesterol changes your heart. It is also important to understand that, like the case for heart disease, meth abuse must be taken seriously and treated effectively to return you to good health (NIDA, 2007).

What Addiction is Not
Addiction is not a habit that can be cured by "will power."  It is a disease that is initially self-inflicted, but becomes unrestrained as the body starts to depend on the chemicals ingested or injected just to continue functioning in a 'normal' state. You have probably heard that people who abuse meth are morally weak and lack the will power to break a bad habit (NIAAA, 2003). This is not the case. For example, meth abuse and dependence involve much more than just using too much. It is a complex chronic condition that arises as a result of the interaction of many factors, including your genetic inheritance, your environment, and other social and behavioral conditions (NIAAA, 2003).