Mind Over Matter - Methamphetamine

The Brain's Response to Methamphetamine

How Does Methamphetamine Cause its Effects?

Methamphetamine Changes the Brain

Methamphetamine Has lots of Other Effects

What Happens if a Person Uses Methamphetamine for a Long Time?

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Methamphetamine Changes the Brain

Usually neurons recycle dopamine. But Methamphetamine is able to fool neurons into taking it up just like they would dopamine. Once inside a neuron, Methamphetamine causes that neuron to release lots of dopamine. All this dopamine causes the person to feel an extra sense of pleasure that can last all day. But eventually these pleasurable effects stop. They are followed by unpleasant feelings called a "crash" that often lead a person to use more of the drug. If a person continues to use Methamphetamine, they will have a difficult time feeling pleasure from anything. Imagine no longer enjoying your favorite food or an afternoon with your friends.

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