Methamphetamines are drugs that act as a stimulant on the central nervous system (CNS). This category of drugs are sometimes used as scheduled medication for the treatment of conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. However the narcotic methamphetamine or ‘meth’ is usually concentrated and produced in illegal make-shift laboratories known as meth labs.

By using a narcotic methamphetamine,  a euphoria (high) that is often described as ‘intensely pleasurable’ to the user is quickly followed by a ‘downer’ or ‘comedown’ (low) that is experienced as a severe depression and fatigue. The effects of methamphetamines make it a likely drug for abuse and addiction as the  user will require repeated doses (‘hits’), not only to maintain a high, but to avoid the after effects of the drug.

continue reading Crystal Meth Addiction – Use, Effects, Symptoms, Test & Abuse

In terms of controlling dopamine signals between nicotine and opiates are almost similar based on the testing done by Prof. Daniel McGehee, when nicotine was tested in the that particular part of the nucleus accumbens where opiates have been demonstrated to affect behavior, given the fact that these are two different drugs. The research has complemented previous studies that showed overlapping effects in the way two drugs work, in the hope that it will help identify new treatment methods in addiction. It also demonstrated that tobacco addiction is as equally serious in the same way an individual is hooked on to heroin.

‘Opiate’ is derived from the opium seed. ‘Morphine’, ‘codeine’, ‘heroin’ are among the most common drugs that are derived as ‘opiates’. ‘Morphine’ has a similar chemical composition and chemical structure to that of the ‘heroin’. It stops pain, abridges anxiety, and makes the user euphoric if taken in significantly high doses. The use of the drug affects the cells of the cranial nerves that bring forth natural painkillers or endorphins called “endogenous opiates.”

continue reading Opium and Nicotine Addiction-Plenty of Similarities