HOW DOES METH WORK?

Methamphetamine stimulates the pleasure centre of the brain, and does
it in such a way it can ultimately destroy it if users don't stop.

Smoked, snorted or injected, methamphetamine causes the brain to
release huge amounts of dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter, Dr. Alan
McIntosh, an associate professor of pharmacy at the University of
Manitoba, said in an interview.

Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced in the body and is
associated with feelings of pleasure, joy and motivation.

Methamphetamine causes so much to be released into the brain that
users experience feelings of euphoria, alertness and even
omnipotence.

The effects of methamphetamine can last up to 12 hours. It's this
intense and lasting effect that causes addiction. One estimate
suggests 90 per cent of users become addicts.

"It's very, very clear that people don't get off methamphetamine that
easily, even after just a single dose," McIntosh says.

Chronic use of methamphetamine in turn causes the brain to release
lesser and lesser amounts of dopamine, causing addicts to use even
more methamphetamine to get high.

Side effects of prolonged use include convulsions, dangerously high
body temperature, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps, shaking,
anxiety and insomnia.

Long-term abuse can lead to psychotic behaviour including intense
paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and out-of-control rages.

Studies have also found meth abusers have impaired cognitive and motor
function, including memory loss.

These studies also say this damage may not be permanent as the brain
can repair itself after prolonged abstinence.