How?
How is Tina taken?
How does Tina make you feel?
How long does the feeling last?
How does Tina work?
Tina changes our brain chemistry in significant ways. Crystal
meth is a strong central nervous system stimulant. It dramatically
increases levels of dopamine, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter)
associated with pleasure and movement. The excess of dopamine
produces intense subjective sensations of euphoria, well being,
sexual desire, and confidence. Dopamine is also invloved in
the reward centre of the brain and acts as a behavior reinforcer
for experiences perceived as pleasurable, like sex.
The psychiatric effects of methamphetamine are caused largely
by the release of dopamine; the medical complications are
due primarily to the release of norepinephreine. Tina increases
levels of a secondary neurotransmitter called norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is chemically related to adreneline. Norephinephrine
is primarily responsible for crystal’s physical effects
of increased heartrate and blood pressure and hence cardiovascular
complications.
PET scans show the recovery of dopamine transporter
levels after 1 month of abstinence (center) and after
14 months (right).
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Tina use interupts the bodies normal production and maintenance
of dopamine levels. The flooding of dopamine is followed by
a ‘crash’ which is characterized by a depletion
of the same. The more often we use, the more difficult it
is for the brain to stabilize dopamine production. This is
why depressed mood, anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure),
fatique, and even suicidal thoughts can all be part of the
come down.
Source: ‘Methamphetamine, the Brain, HIV, and Mental
Health,’ Kristina Jones, MD, AIDS Health Project, v.20,
n.6, July, 2005
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