The human brain is a massive hub for activity ranging from behavior to motor functions to conscious thought. There are many parts of the brain that work together to coordinate certain functions. Certain areas of the brain are also centers of substance abuse problems. For Not One Batu, I will be focusing on methamphetamine, how it affects the brain, how addiction develops, and the relationship with Hawaii.
Dopamine & Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is considered a stimulant which raises levels of natural dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter that regulates movement, emotion, motivation, and pleasure. This neurotransmitter is what gets flooded into a person’s limbic system, the brain’s main reward circuit. In layman’s terms, we need dopamine to feel good.
When administering methamphetamine, the brain produces high level of dopamine which makes users feel a rush or sense of euphoria. However, this drug is easily tolerated by the brain. This is where the phrase, “The first high is the best high” comes into place because all of the dopamine available was ready to flood and make the user feel great. This is problematic for repeat users because there aren’t enough levels of dopamine to flood when administering. Dopamine needs to replenish in the brain and it can take up to a couple of weeks to a couple of months to even years depending on the individual. |
Environmental Risk FactorsFor an addict, the surroundings they are exposed to can increase their likelihood of staying addicted. These surroundings can elicit stresses that can “inspire” the addict to stay on drugs so they can feel better about themselves. These include:
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The Effects of Taking Methamphetamine
Since methamphetamine is a stimulant, it elicits a number of symptoms such as:
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Continued meth abuse can also lead to serious, negative consequences:
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Military Substance AbuseBeing deployed/working in the military can induce certain stresses upon a person, both physical and mental. This can leave physical and/or mental scars and in a way, substance abuse is a way to self-medicate these problems. It is important to know that members of the armed forces are just like civilians where they are not immune to substance abuse problems. Prescription drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse are more prevalent in the armed forces.
Common sense wise, this would make sense. Alcohol and tobacco is easily obtained over the counter, while prescription drug is also simple to obtain with a script from the doctor. Add on multiple deployments, exposure to combat, and multiple trauma events, members of the armed forces are likely to engage in these kinds of abuses. In 1982, a Zero Tolerance Policy pertaining to illicit drugs helped lower the frequency of substance abuse. This is regularly enforced through random drug testing and even dishonorable discharge/prosecution for a positive drug test. Although this aides with the issue, there is a loophole in prescription drug abuse, especially for opioid abuse when treated for pain. |
Hawaii's Meth ProblemAs an island far away from the mainland of the United States, Hawaii is not shy from drug-related problems. It is considered a high-intensity drug trafficking area. Due to the heavy tourism and commercial trading it causes problems for law enforcement every year. This would make it easy for smugglers and dealers to transport supplies without detection. Some would even use fronts, posing as legitimate businesses to sell or smuggle drugs.
According to The Hawaii Meth Project, in a study in 2015, they determined that meth use/treatment in Hawaii is higher than the national average:
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