GABA & Methamphetamine Addiction

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INDICATORS METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION

The initial decision to use meth is mostly voluntary. However, when methamphetamine abuse takes over, your ability to exert self control can become seriously impaired (NIDA, 2007). Changes in parts of the brain that play key roles in judgment, decision-making, and behavioral control may be altered in ways that mean you can no longer exert normal control over how you act (NIDA, 2007). Signs that you may have lost this control are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Characteristics of meth abuse and dependence
(DHHS, 1997)

Failing to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities
Using in situations that are potentially dangerous, such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery
Experiencing repeated meth-related legal problems, such
as being arrested for driving under the influence
Exhibiting continued meth use despite having relationship
problems that are caused or made worse by using
Craving (a strong need or compulsion to use meth)
Impaired control over methamphetamine use
Use and abuse of meth despite adverse consequences
Failure to acknowledge the problem
Tolerance or need for increasing amounts of meth to
feel intoxicated
Physical dependence or the occurrence of withdrawal
symptoms when meth use is discontinued

These signs are similar to those indicating abuse and dependence on stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine (NIDA, 2005).

WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN YOUR BRAIN THAT CAUSES YOU TO KEEP TAKING METH

How Do Brain Cells Communicate?
Understanding the changes that occur in your brain as a function of methamphetamine abuse requires a brief lesson in how nerve cells “talk to” one and other.

The brain consists of billions of nerve cells that pass messages back
and forth to control your thoughts and behavior. Each nerve cell in the brain generates electrical impulses and these impulses are transferred from one cell to another by means of chemicals called neurotransmitters. When a nerve cell is excited, it releases a very small amount of neurotransmitter which attaches to a specialized site on the receiving
cell called a receptor (Figure 4). This release and binding of neurotransmitters is how the billions of cells in your brain communicate (NIDA, 2007).



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References A-G | References K-Z

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