The Involvement of the IP3 Receptor in the Rewarding/Addictive Properties of Methamphetamine

Authors

Mark Woodbury, Brigham Young University
Dr. Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

IP3 receptor, rewarding and addictive properties, methamphetamine

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Neuroscience

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) is a very powerful psychoactive drug that is highly addictive and toxic to the brain. Its use and abuse has been rising in recent years, and certain reports indicate that amphetamine-like drugs are the second most abused drugs worldwide. The side effects of METH abuse are varied and serious in nature, including: hyperthermia, tooth decay, heart attack, seizures, stroke, skin lesions, memory loss, confusion, anxiety, depression, psychosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and increased severity of HIV/AIDS (Chang et al., 2005; Curtin et al., 2015; Thanos et al., 2017). Despite these devastating effects, many of those addicted do not or cannot stop using and are finally met with fatal consequences.

Recommended Citation

Woodbury, Mark and Steffensen, Dr. Scott (2018) "The Involvement of the IP3 Receptor in the Rewarding/Addictive Properties of Methamphetamine," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2018: Iss. 1, Article 66.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2018/iss1/66