Psychology

Description of the drug
Methamphetamine is classified as a psychoactive stimulant, drug which serves to stimulate the central nervous system (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). The drug in particular is useful in increasing alertness and mentalbody energy. However, research findings indicate that when taken in large amounts, methamphetamine can serve to improve self-esteem as well as sexual pleasure (Murray, 1998).  Methamphetamine is legally recognized and approved for use in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and exogenous obesity.

Methamphetamine is found in the form of white crystals or powders which is soluble in water and alcohol (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Based on this reasoning, this drug is usually mixed with water for injection or swallowed. The drug can also be mixed with tobacco or marijuana for smoking. Just to be appreciated is the fact that high purity methamphetamine which come in the form of ice crystals is usually smoked in small pipes (Fabian, 2007). It has also been established that some abusers of methamphetamine exploit its rapid vaporization by heating it and inhaling the fumes.

Methamphetamine has two major ingredients namely levorotary and dextrorotatory (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). According to existing scientific research evidence however, levorotary has no proven central nervous activity. It thus possesses non-addictive properties and is used for treatment of nasal decongestion (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Dextrorotatory on the other side functions as a stimulant of the central nervous system(National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). It accomplish this, methamphetamine affects the brain neurotransmitter mechanisms for controlling functions like body temperature, blood pressure, attention and response among others.

Due to the effects of methamphetamine on the functioning of the brain, the user experiences an increase in heart beat rate as well as increase in blood sugar levels (Zickler, 2006). These serve to improve alertness and eliminate fatigue. Methamphetamine has been identified as one among the most abused drugs in the United States. This has been closely attributed to a number of reasons. First, methamphetamine can be locally produced, a factor which makes commonly available. Another reason is that it is legally allowed as a pharmaceutical drug thus opening a loophole for accessibility, possession and use (Whaley  Hayes-Smith, 2009).

Methamphetamine is quite addictive. This is because it serves to stimulate the pleasure pathways on the brain (Zickler, 2006). Just to be appreciated is the fact that upon continued use, the drug compromises the natural functioning of the brain, a factor that calls for dependency on the drug (Zickler, 2006).

Another reason for the addictive effects of methamphetamine compared to other drugs is that its costs are almost same as that of cocaine while its effects are much longer compared to those of cocaine. According to available statistical evidence, an estimated over 10 million people in the American nation are victims of methamphetamine addiction (Fabian, 2007).

As a result of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, there are a number of laws which have been enacted to mitigate the sale, use and possession of the drug (Fabian, 2007). One is the Federal Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986 which seeks to mitigate the use of designer drugs (Fabian, 2007). Another important law is the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 as it limits the amount of Methamphetamine one can purchase and the conditions for its availability to mitigate theft (Fabian, 2007). Due to such restrictions, statistics indicate that the abuse of the drug have decreased by over half between 2006 and 2008.

Effects of Methamphetamine Drug on the Human Brain
Methamphetamine has been established as having the effects of increasing the release and blocks the reuptake of brain neurotransmitter dopamine (Zickler, 2006). This has the direct result of significantly increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Just to be appreciated is the fact that dopamine is the neurotransmitter chemical responsible for brain functions such as rewarding, motivation, pleasure and body motor functions (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).  Indeed, it has been established that the intense euphoria experienced after taking methamphetamine is due to the rapid increase in the levels of dopamine supply on the reward regions of the brain caused by the drug (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

Another effect of methamphetamine is that it compromises the functioning of the norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin brain transporters (Zickler, 2006). The drug in purpose changes the normal direction of flow for these transporters. Such a reversal of transmitter flow triggers the release of the transmitters from both the vesicles to the cytoplasm and from the cytoplasm to the synapse (Zickler, 2006). This has the result of increasing the stimulation levels of the synaptic receptors. Still, due to the fact that the drug compromises reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmitters, it causes them to remain in the synaptic cavity to a long period. This is why the effects of the methamphetamine are found to last longer compared to those of other drugs.

High level abuse of methamphetamine is found to cause changes in how the brain functions (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009) According to results from noninvasive human brain imaging studies, methamphetamine alters the activity of the brain dopamine system, a factor with reduces motor skills and compromises verbal learning. According to available scientific research findings, chronic methamphetamine abusers are marked with severe alterations of the structures and functionality of brain areas which are concerned with emotions and memory (Murray, 1998). Due to this reason, victims of chronic methamphetamine abuse are evidently faced with the problem of impaired emotions and cognition.

Methamphetamine leads to dopaminergic degeneration (Zickler, 2006). Dopaminergic is usually responsible for the production of brain dopamine and serotonin neurons (Zickler, 2006). Therefore, the intake of methamphetamine is found to reduce brain activities in sites such as brain dopamine and serotonin neurons, 5HT uptake and tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). It is worthy stating here that the addictive nature of methamphetamine is due to its changing of the functioning of the central nervous system (Baskin  Sommers, 2006). This creates a state of induced brain dopamine and serotonin neurons production in the brain, a factor that results into dependency on the drug for realizing pleasure and alertness as well as eliminating fatigue.

Due to the above stated effects of methamphetamine in the brain, the drug is usually associated with a number of psychological effects (Murray, 1998). Such include increased libido, self-esteem and anxiety (Murray, 1998). This result due to the effects methamphetamine has on the release and reuptake of dopamine. As methamphetamine leads to increased blood sugar levels, it can be strong associated with increased alertness, attention, sociability and aggression (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). The drug results in feeling of having excessive power, a factor that is characterized by obsessive behaviors.

Withdrawal Symptoms
Reports indicate that withdrawal from methamphetamine is quite uncomfortable and can depending on the level of addiction be a threat to the life of the individual (Whaley  Hayes-Smith, 2009). Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include drug cravings, depression, irritability and loss of energy as well as sustaining a feeling of fearfulness (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Some other withdrawal symptoms include shaking, sweating, nausea and increased appetite. Withdrawing from methamphetamine use can either induce or mitigate sleeping. This means that withdrawal from methamphetamine is a real threat to the social and economic life of the victim.

Due to these serious implications of withdrawing from methamphetamine, it is a common practice for many to engage in medical care to facilitate effective recovery from methamphetamine addiction. According to available statistics, methamphetamine is identified as one of the drugs with high relapse rates (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). This has been closely attributed to the reliable emotional and cognition effects it brings to an individual. Indeed, it is due to this reason that the problem of depression and suicidal behaviors are common with victims of methamphetamine withdrawal (Zickler, 2006). Such makes the methamphetamine as a drug to have the potential of compromise the social and economic value of an individual in the community.

The effects of long and short term use and abuse of methamphetamine
Short term use and abuse effects of methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is identified as being highly addictive regardless of how it is administered (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Such are because the drug is responsible for stimulating the production of dopamine neurotransmitter which serves to control brain cells concerned with promoting moods and alertness (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). There are a number of short term effects of methamphetamine use or abuse. According to scientific research findings, immediately after using methamphetamine, one experiences an intense sensation commonly referred to as a rush (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). This is because the methamphetamine drug leads to increased release of dopamine in the brain.

Once taken in small amounts, methamphetamine can lead to increased alertness (Murray, 1998). This is the reason why it is a common medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder problem. Another effect is increased physical activity in an individual. Such are mainly attributed to the fact that methamphetamine causes an increase in blood sugar levels, enhances self-esteem and increases aggression (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Methamphetamine decreases appetite in the victim. In order to met the energy demands triggered by increased physical activity after using methamphetamine, victims experience an increased in respiration rate.

Methamphetamine is found to increase the heart beat rate and thus increasing blood pressure (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). Still, it can result into irregular heart beats. The victims of methamphetamine abuse are therefore at a higher risk of sustaining cardiovascular collapse. Other short term effects of methamphetamine are irritability, anxiety, increased aggressiveness and tremors (Zickler, 2006). Just to be appreciated is the fact that methamphetamine can also lead to confusion. Some abusers of methamphetamine can sustain fatal conditions such as convulsions and hyperthermia, a factor that risks death. Owing to the fact that methamphetamine leads to increased blood pressure due to constriction of blood vessels, it can result into headaches, chest pains and even heart attack as well as premature labor (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

Methamphetamine is found to significantly improve the neurotransmitter functioning of the brain (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2000). This means that the drug cause into increased activity of the brain. Based on this reasoning, the drug increases blood supply to the brain. It has thus been claimed that methamphetamine abuse can result in irreversible brain blood vessel damages (Zickler, 2006). This is why the large intake of the drug can result into a stroke. Therefore, use of methamphetamine has both positive and negative short term effects upon use by an individual.

Long term use and abuse effects of methamphetamine
Chronic methamphetamine use can result into a number of long term effects on the health and behavior of an individual (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). First, methamphetamine can lead to violent behavior (Baskin  Sommers, 2006). According to available psychological evidence, it is clear that character and behavior of an individual is mostly acquired rather than inborn. Methamphetamine intake results into increased physical energy as well as increased aggression, factors which can result into violent behavior. With sustained use therefore, methamphetamine is likely to create a culture of violence in an individual.

Another long term effect of methamphetamine is that it can result in psychotic behavior and mood disturbances (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). Numerous scientific research findings have concluded that long term use or abuse of methamphetamine results in the damaging of the victims brain just like is the case caused by Alzheimers disease, stroke and epilepsy (Zickler, 2006). This means that the drug can lead to the sustenance of mental impairment on the victim. Still, methamphetamine intake is found to compromise the production and functioning of neurotransmitter dopamine (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Just to be appreciated here is the fact that dopamine is responsible for brain functions such as control pleasure and moods. Therefore, long term use of methamphetamine can lead to mood disturbances.

Still on psychotic behavior caused by long term use and abuse of methamphetamine is the question of addiction (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). By simple definition, addiction is a mental condition that dictates dependency on a given substance for the proper and efficient functioning of the body.

Methamphetamine is been identified as a highly addictive drug (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). Based on this reasoning, it can be concluded that the problem of addiction is a key factor in sustaining the psychotic behavior found with methamphetamine users. Another effect of long term use of methamphetamine is that it can lead to homicidal and suicidal thoughts or behavior (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). It should be noted that any substance which enhancing feeling, aggression and pleasure can compromise the reasoning and judgmental ability of the individual, a factor that results into suicidal thoughts.

Chronic use of methamphetamine can also result into extreme weight loss, and acute dental decay problem (Zickler, 2006). The question of weight loss is based on the reasoning that methamphetamine cause a sharp decline in appetite as well as an increase in physical activity. Just like cigarettes, methamphetamine smoking or even drinking leads to the dissolving of teeth enamel chemicals this causing dental decay (Zickler, 2006). Other effects include paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations. Due to the fact that methamphetamine increases sex libido, it has been cited as a major cause of irresponsible sexual behaviors and increased risk of sustaining sexually transmitted diseases (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Therefore, it is clear that the though methamphetamine can have some short term positive effects, none of it long term use effects are positive.

Treatment of methamphetamine addiction
Since methamphetamine addiction is termed a behavioral problem, the best commonly used treatment approach is the use of comprehensive cognitive-behavioral intervention techniques (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Given the feeling associated with withdrawal from using methamphetamine, the process of treating addiction takes time and requires a supportive therapeutic environment to mitigate chances of relapse. Cognitive behavioral intentions involve measures designed to changing the thinking, behavior and expectations of the methamphetamine addict victim. In summary, the technique encompasses the following activities (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

The first action is engaging in behavioral therapy for the victims. This takes a number of aspects such as counseling. Counseling of methamphetamine victims is quite important as it does not only identify the problem but above all engages the victim in appreciating that they have a problem and need to change (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). During counseling the clinical practitioners seeks to find the actual cause of the victims indulgence on drug abuse. Just to be stated is the fact that most cases of drug abuse have been associated with family relationship issues. Therefore, there is need to inform the victim on the best way to address their family, social and economic problems as a sustainable way of realizing methamphetamine addiction treatment (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

Still, on treating methamphetamine addiction is the use of assistance groups for the victims (Murray, 1998). These groups are a collection of addicted members who are striving to recover from their addiction problem. This has been found to be quite influential in helping victims learning from the experience of others. Still, such have the advantage of enhancing acceptability of the reformed victims by the society. It is worth to be understood that drug addicts in the community are usually subjected to stigmatization. Indeed, this is the reason behind the problem of relapse into drugs by victims as a way of finding socialization and company.

Methamphetamine addiction is closely associated with psychotic or mental impairment problems. According to available statistics on the problem of methamphetamine addiction, it is quite clear that most of victims have schizophrenia (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2000). This makes identification and treatment of any mental problems in the victim quite an important in realizing sustainable treatment of the addiction problem. Another way of ensuring sustainable treatment of methamphetamine addiction is engaging in non-drug related activities and social groups (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Given the high rates of relapse by reformed victims of methamphetamine abuse in the community, engaging in new and anti-drug activities is quite important. It is worth stating that drug abuse problem is mainly influenced by peer pressure. This is why eliminating poor influence is quite important for victims to realize sustainable recovery.

Another common practice when controlling methamphetamine addiction is addressing the problem of malnutrition in the victim (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). According to existing statistical information, poor health is a common feature which characterizes methamphetamine addiction problem. This has been closely attributed to the fact that the use of methamphetamine greatly compromises appetite (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). However, as per to date, there is no medication available for treating methamphetamine addictions. Therefore, the only immediate and reliable solution to the problem is to behavioral therapy (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Another important thing to be appreciated is the fact that early treatment of the problem is highly successful. This has been explained by the fact that at late stages, the victims have already sustained irreversible damage of the brain, a factor that complicates the treatment process.

Conclusion
It has been sufficiently established that methamphetamine is one of the most commonly abused drug in the US. This has been attributed to two reasons. First, the drug is commonly available in the market. The other reason is that despite the fact that it costs almost the same price as cocaine its effects are longer than those of cocaine (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). There are a number of negative effects associated with methamphetamine abuse. Such include compromising of the normal production and functioning of dopamine in the brain, a factor that can lead to addiction, violent behavior andor sustenance of psychotic impairments (Murray, 1998(.

The addictive effects of methamphetamine can be easily treated through engaging in a comprehensive cognitive behavioral intervention practices (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). This technique involves the use of counseling and behavioral therapy practices to mitigate the drug dependence behavior. Just to be appreciated is the fact that early identification and treatment of the addiction problem is important as it mitigates problems of possible irreversible brain damages caused by chronic use of methamphetamine (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Therefore, there is need to create awareness among the general public on the negative effects of methamphetamine and where to get help should be given first priority in addressing methamphetamine drug problem in the American society.