Addiction Solution Source

Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive and neurotoxic drugs of abuse and it produces large increases in dopamine, a brain chemical associated with feelings of pleasure and reward — both by increasing dopamine’s release from nerve cells and by blocking its reuptake.

Using positron emission tomography (PET) to track tracer doses of methamphetamine in humans’ brains, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory found that meth was slow to clear the brain.

“This slow clearance of methamphetamine from such widespread brain regions may help explain why the drug has such long-lasting behavioral and neurotoxic effects.” Methamphetamine is known to produce lasting damage not only to dopamine cells but also to other brain regions, including white matter, that are not part of the dopamine network” stated chemist Joanna Fowler, lead author on the study.

According to a recent report in USA Today and information from the Mexican Health Ministry, new patients at drug treatment centers quadrupled since 2000.

The new border fence and intensified patrols by both Mexican and U.S. federal agents have made it harder for Mexican cartels to get street drugs into the USA.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón warned last month that cartels are no longer just trying to get drugs to the USA, but generate consumers “here in Mexico who will buy them, and buy them for the rest of their lives.”

“We used to be mainly a country of transit for drugs. Now we’ve become a consumer,” says Ricardo Sánchez, director of research for the health ministry’s rehab centers.

Prices of drugs have increased in the USA but have decreased in Mexico making it more available.

The book, Beautiful Boy, by David Sheff, is a heartbreaking and wrenching story of a father’s journey through his son’s drug addiction. He states that he was addicted to his son’s addiction. Any parent who has had a child abuse drugs will be able to identify with this story.

I know I did. Even though my son did not use Meth (thank God) and did not disappear for weeks at a time on the streets, there were still many anxious moments wondering if he was OK.

David Sheff mentions early on how he confronted his son, Nic, about smoking Pot (Marijuana) and at first Nic lies and denies it. Then Nic admits that he is using some drugs “like everyone,” “just pot,” and only “once in a while.”

Over time, Nic gets more and more involved in using drugs including Meth and is in and out of rehab several times. Nic is in denial that he is an addict.

In recovery, Nic Sheff states that “a using addict cannot trust his own brain – it lies, says, ‘You can have one drink, a joint, a single line, just one.'” Nic learned that he could not trust his own brain.

Crystal Darkness is a 30-minute television documentary telling the frightening truth about Meth’s devastating attack on our youth and their families.

The program is targeted for youth and their parents, but the message extends with conviction to an entire community and throughout our nation. If you are not yet aware of the seriousness of the Meth problem in your neighborhood, then the images and stories shared in this program will prove to be both shocking and scary.

Since the original TV program was broadcast in 2007, there is now a campaign across the country to show it on local stations. In 2007 it was shown in Reno, Las Vegas, San Diego and Oregon. In 2008, it is scheduled for March 26th in Sacramento, April 10 in El Paso and New Mexico, and April 15th in Arizona.

In several communities the documentary aired in a “roadblock”, which meant it was broadcast simultaneously on almost all stations in the area. This gives the show tremendous viewership with an impact over a large area. It has been very effective.

Julia Ross video speaking about: Marijuana and Methamphetamine: Treatment That Works. This video is a 'must see' for anyone who wants to learn that it is possible to use nutrition and specific supplements to get off of drugs such as marijuana and meth. She even states that it is "easy" to get off of meth compared to other drugs and she tells how to do it!

Speed, meth, chalk, crystal, ice, glass. These are all names for the drug methamphetamine. It comes in many different forms and is snorted, swallowed, injected, or smoked. The smokable form is known as “ice” or “crystal,” due to its appearance.

Meth is a powerful street drug. It acts by changing how the brain works. It also speeds up many functions in the body. It has a chemical structure that is similar to another drug called amphetamine. Methamphetamine can cause lots of harmful things, including inability to sleep, paranoia, aggressiveness, and hallucinations.

How Does Methamphetamine Cause its Effects?

Street drugs refers to illegal drugs that people buy on the "street" from friends or dealers.