Dr. Kurt Devine and Dr. Heather Bell

The Addiction Connection

Dr. Kurt Devine and Dr. Heather Bell

  • Episode 45 - Methamphetamine 101

Episode 45 - Methamphetamine 101

Tuesday 26th January 2021

Drs. Heather Bell and Kurt DeVine discuss methamphetamine's history, science, and dangers in this engaging episode of 'The Addiction Connection'.
26 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Educational
Engaging
Raw

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The Addiction Connection
Author:
Dr. Kurt Devine and Dr. Heather Bell
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Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Methamphetamine: Unpacking Its History, Science, and Risks

I really like the historical part of this too. Wow, we should probably say that, like every time we talk about methamphetamine, just say its actual name.
Imagine a substance that started as a medical marvel and morphed into a public health nightmare. In this episode of 'The Addiction Connection', Drs. Heather Bell and Kurt DeVine dive deep into the world of methamphetamine. They kick things off with a fascinating history lesson, tracing the drug's roots back to its synthesis from ephedrine in Japan during the 1890s.
Initially seen as a wonder drug, methamphetamine was used for everything from treating nasal congestion to boosting energy during World War II. But as its darker side emerged, regulations tightened, and its misuse became rampant. Dr. Bell and Dr. DeVine then shift gears to explore the neurobiology of methamphetamine. Ever wondered how this drug affects your brain? The hosts break down the science, explaining how methamphetamine messes with neurotransmitters, leading to severe cognitive changes and even neurotoxicity.
They discuss how these changes can manifest as chronic mental health issues, including mania and psychosis. The dangers don't stop there. The episode highlights the alarming rates of overdose deaths linked to methamphetamine use. The doctors also shed light on methamphetamine use disorder, which impacts nearly a million people in the U.S., and the geographic variations in how the drug is consumed across the country.
To wrap things up, they share some eye-opening cases where patients on amphetamines tested positive for methamphetamine contamination. And just when you think it couldn't get more intriguing, the episode ends with a song about a pair of brown eyes, adding a unique twist to an already compelling discussion. If you're curious about the complex world of methamphetamine—from its historical uses to its modern-day risks—this episode is a must-listen.