Tina and the brain

While there are many variables with respect to the context of our use that impact how we experience the drug, the pharmacological aspects of crystal meth are well known. Knowledge of the basic impacts of Tina on the brain and body can help us make sense of what we may be experiencing and help us make informed decisions about our use.

Tina alters our brain chemistry in complicated ways that are sometimes synergistic and sometimes conflicting. The pleasurable benefits are hard to modulate. The negative consequences are varied and plentiful. In general, the first hit is the most pleasurable and subsequent hits are spent chasing the initial high, with increasing negative consequences.

What does Tina do in our brains?

Tina dramatically increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerves in the brain and body to ‘talk’ to each other. Neurotransmitters carry messages from the brain out to the tissues, glands and organs of the body. They also carry messages from the body back to the brain. For example, when we have an itch on our back, our back sends a message to our brain and then the brain sends a message to our hand telling it to scratch the itch. Neurotransmitters carry these messages. In a way, they unite the brain and the rest of the body into one functioning unit.

Tina looks and acts like a neurotransmitter. That's why neurons absorb the drug. When nerve cells soak up Tina, the natural neurotransmitters are pushed out and replaced. When these chemicals get pushed out of the nerve cells, they are released into the bloodstream. Once released, neurotransmitters start ‘talking’ to the rest of the body. We might say that Tina ups the volume of the conversation from a whisper to a scream.

Fight or flight.

The signals Tina sends are artificially exaggerated and non-adaptive. Our minds are tricked into thinking we are in a ‘life or death’ situation and we respond by triggering the ‘fight or flight’ (FOF) syndrome. Our entire nervous system immediately shifts into high gear. The brain floods our body with ‘danger’ messages.

The FOF syndrome includes:

• mental alertness increased
• energy to muscles increased
• heart rate and blood pressure increased
• internal body temperature is raised
• ability to perceive pain is reduced
• appetite, thirst, and need for sleep are decreased
• pupils get larger to let in more light
• decrease in saliva (dry mouth)
• hair stands on end (‘getting goose bumps’)

FOF induced by Tina puts immense stress on our minds and bodies. The FOF response evolved for our survival so that we could make a fast decision and act on it immediately. The levels of neurotransmitters released naturally are enough to achieve that short-term goal and then they subside. Stress is minimal and then the body and mind return to a ‘normal’ state. Tina induces the FOF response over the length of time we are using which can be hours or days instead of minutes. Our frequency of use determines wither or not we will be able to recover from the damage caused by the extended state of FOF response.

Dopamine

There are 3 primary neurotransmitters stimulated by crystal meth. The most significant effect is felt in the dopamine pathway. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that generates a sense of reward and pleasure. A hit of crystal meth produces something in the order of 15 times the basal (normal) levels of dopamine in the brain. This release is primarily what generates the intense rush and euphoria. Dopamine increases attention. High levels produce over attention leading to paranoia. Dopamine helps regulate motor functioning. It agitates muscles. High levels can cause repetitive motion, nausea and vomiting.

Seratonin

Tina also increases Serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is involved in sensory perception. High levels of Serotonin can contribute to hallucinations. Serotonin is involved with many mental disorders like schizophrenia, phobias, aggression, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Serotonin has a role in cognitive functioning and memory processing. High levels produce sleep disorders. It also plays a role in depression, sex and regulating body temperature.

Norepinephrine

The third major neurotransmitter affected by Tina is Norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate. High levels over stimulate the heart and circulatory system. Norepinephrine also relaxes and opens the bronchioles of the lung linings. Norepinephrine helps kill pain. Like Dopamine, Norepinphrine increases mental alertness and concentration. Both Serotonin and Norepinphrine decrease appetite. They also make it make it difficult or impossible to have an ejaculation. They also contribute to an inability to get and stay hard. This is the origin of ‘crystal dick.’ At the same time, high levels tend to over stimulate basic instinctual drives like sex.

The origins of many of the negative consequences of Tina use originate in the impacts of the high levels of the neurotransmitters, their specific and sometimes competing effects, and the FOF response. Unfortunately, recent research demonstrates that despite the ability of the brain to repair the damage long-term Tina use causes, some of the neurological damage may be permanent. If you or someone you know is suffering from cognitive impairment induced by Tina you may want to read our page on improving memory and concentration in the Tools section.

Source: CrystalNeon.org