Methamphetamine and its effects

Methamphetamine  is  an  amphetamine-­‐type  stimulant.  Ice  is  a  crystalline  form  of  methamphetamine.  Other  forms  of  methamphetamine  are  ‘speed’  (powder)  and  ‘base’  (paste).  

All  forms  of  methamphetamine  have  the  same  chemical  structure  but  they  differ  in  potency.  Ice  is  typically  3-­‐4  times  more  potent  than  speed.  However,  because  these  drugs  are  illegally  manufactured,  the  purity  and  potency  vary  substantially.  

Speed  is  typically  swallowed  or  snorted,  but  is  sometimes  injected.  Ice  is  usually  smoked,  inhaled  or  injected.  

Available  data  from  many  sources  show  that  the  number  of  methamphetamine  users  has  not  increased  for  at  least  the  last  15  years;  however  among  people  who  already  use  methamphetamine,  concerning  trends  have  emerged.  The  number  of  users  who  use  ice  has  doubled,  the  frequency  of  use  has  increased,  and  the  number  of  people  smoking  has  increased.  

Taken  together,  these  factors  have  resulted  in  a  substantial  increase  in  harms.  

What is methamphetamine?

 

Acute  effects  of  methamphetamine  

Euphoria  and  a  feeling  of  wellbeing  -­‐    Increased  energy  -­‐  

Improved  attention,  alertness,  memory  -­‐  Increased  sex  drive  -­‐  Decreased  appetite  -­‐  

 

Effects  of  toxicity  or  overdose  

Nervousness,  anxiety,  panic  -­‐  Confusion,  disorientation  -­‐  

Chest  pain,  heart  attack,  seizures  -­‐  Psychotic  symptoms  -­‐  

Aggressiveness,  violence  -­‐  

 

Effects  of  longer  term  use  

Decreased  motivation  -­‐  Depression  and  anxiety  -­‐  

Poor  cognitive  functioning  -­‐  Psychotic  symptoms  -­‐  

Weight  loss,  under  nutrition  -­‐    

LeeJenn

The

Group

Ice affects dopamine, which is crucial for

proper functioning of the thinking and

emotional centres of the brain

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The  main  effect  of  methamphetamine  is  through  the  dopamine  system.  Dopamine  is  the  neurochemical  that  makes  us  feel  good,  and  it  is  released  when  we  engage  in  certain  activities  –  sex,  food,  and  drugs  all  cause  a  release  of  dopamine.  

The  main  dopamine  pathways  run  through  the  frontal  lobe  and  the  limbic  system.  

The  frontal  lobe,  in  particular  the  prefrontal  cortex,  controls  higher  order  thinking  processes  such  as  planning,  decision  making  and  impulse  control.  The  limbic  system  controls  emotions,  social  behavior  and  memory.  

The  dopamine  pathways  through  these  brain  regions  are  crucial  for  proper  functioning  and  also  for  them  to  work  together.  

High  levels  of  dopamine  have  been  associated  with  the  onset  

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of  psychotic  symptoms.  Low  levels  of  dopamine  have  been  associated  with  depression  and  movement  disorders.  

Methamphetamine  releases  massive  amounts  of  dopamine,  and  also  stops  the  natural  process  of  recycling  and  reuse  of  surplus  dopamine  by  brain  cells,  resulting  in  brain  cells  being  awash  with  dopamine  for  extended  periods  of  time.    

Because  the  brain  releases  most  of  its  dopamine  stores  at  once,  it  takes  a  few  days  for  it  to  replenish  these  stores.  This  is  why  methamphetamine  users  experience  the  ‘crash’  for  a  few  days  after  heavy  use.  

With  frequent  use  of  methamphetamine,  the  dopamine  system  effectively  ‘wears  out’  and  has  difficulty  producing  dopamine  even  at  normal  levels.  

The  changes  in  the  dopamine  system  can  last  more  than  12  

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months.  During  that  time,  users  can  feel  flat,  depressed  and  unmotivated,  and  have  difficulty  with  higher  order  thinking  processes  like  planning,  concentration  and  decision  making.  

These  functions  appear  to  be  recoverable  over  time.  

Further reading

A  brief  cognitive  behavioural  intervention  for  regular  amphetamine  users:  A  treatment  guide.  Baker,  A.,  Lee,  N.K.  et  al.  (2003)  Commonwealth  of  Australia.    

Treatment  Approaches  for  users  of  methamphetamine:  a  practical  guide  for  frontline  workers  Jenner,  L.  &  Lee,  N.  (2009)  Australian  Government  Department  of  Health  and  Ageing.  

Responding  to  challenging  situations  related  to  the  use  of  psychostimulants:  a  practical  guide  for  frontline  workers.  Jenner,  L.  &  Lee,  N.    (2009)  Australian  Government  Department  of  Health  and  Ageing.  

Medication  treatment  options  for  amphetamine-­‐type  stimulant  users.  Lee,  N.  &  Jenner,  L.  (2014).  ANCD  Research  Paper,  29.      

Perspectives  on  Amphetamine-­‐Type  Stimulants,  Rawson,  R.  &  Lee,  N.K.  (eds),  IP  Communications.    

 

How does methamphetamine affect the brain?

Brain changes due to methamphetamine

directly affect treatment responses

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Psychological  therapy  The  most  effective  interventions  for  dependence  are  psychological  therapies.  

The  psychological  interventions  for  methamphetamine  problems  are  similar  to  those  for  other  drugs.  Various  types  of  Cognitive  Behaviour  Therapy,  such  as  brief  Relapse  Prevention,  Acceptance  and  Commitment  Therapy  and  Motivational  Interviewing  have  been  found  to  be  effective.    

However,  because  of  the  significant  brain  changes  that  can  affect  methamphetamine  users,  the  way  the  treatments  are  applied  varies  from  routine  application.  

Methamphetamine  users  may  have  problems  with  memory,  activity  planning,  thinking  through  consequences,  goal  setting  and  flexible  thinking.  Many  people  may  experience  problems  regulating  their  emotions  for  many  months  after  they  stop  using  methamphetamine.  

Necessary  adaptations  of  routine  psychological  interventions  include:  

• Reminders  and  more  assertive  follow-­‐up  for  scheduled  and  missed  appointments  

Interventions

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• Use  of  memory  aides  

• Flexibility  with  the  time  of  day  appointments  are  scheduled  

• Flexibility  with  the  frequency  and  length  of  appointments  

There  is  a  high  relapse  rate  among  methamphetamine  users,  so  additional  supports  and  extra  patience  may  be  required.  

 

Pharmacotherapy  There  are  no  approved  pharmacotherapies  for  methamphetamine  dependence,  and  none  have  been  found  to  improve  the  withdrawal  process  despite  many  studies  that  have  examined  a  large  range  of  potential  medicines.  

 

Harm  reduction  Because  of  the  significant  acute  harms  associated  with  methamphetamine  use,  harm  reduction  strategies  are  particularly  important.  Harm  reduction  information  includes  education  about  the  harms  associated  with  smoking  and  injecting,  and  using  large  amounts  of  methamphetamine.  

LeeJenn

The

Group

1300 988 184

info@leejenn.com.au

www.leejenn.com.au

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