Meth Turns Helpful Brain Cells Destructive
Recent research published in The Journal of Neuroscience could have a major impact on how methamphetamine addiction is treated in a drug rehab center. A study by the NIDA Intramural Research Program showed that meth use can do more than just “kill” brain cells – it can also turn otherwise healthy brain cells destructive.
The research looked at microglial cells, which typically help promote a healthy brain by clearing away damaged neutrons and attacking infectious agents. Research suggests that the type of long-term meth use that ends in drug treatment can make these microglia subject to a “biochemical cascade” that causes them to attack healthy neurons.
This research could be important in helping treat people who are in drug and alcohol treatment for a meth problem. A positive finding was that the excess glial activation lessens over time, suggesting that the process will abate or possibly even reverse over time.
