| OCR Text |
Show 253 THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant. In addition, it is low-cost with relatively high accessibility making it the fastest growing drug of abuse with 1.5 million reported addicts in 2005 (Berne, 2007). Administration of METH results in heightened atten-tion, increased energy, hypersexuality, improved self-image, and an overall sense of eupho-ria, causing METH to be both behaviorally and psychologically addicting. However, as with all drugs, METH has harmful effects on the central nervous system. Some changes seen in the brain with METH abuse include negative alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), damage to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (NSDA) system, and damage to the hip-pocampus, all of which may play a role in METH addiction and relapse. The addiction cycle is not only a detriment to the addict, but also to society as crime rates rise and tax dollars are spent on ineffective rehabilitation programs. Given the prevalence of METH abuse and the associated individual and societal impacts, it is imperative that effective treatments be identi-fied. Aerobic exercise has been suggested as a potential treatment strategy. The primary aim of this research project will be to complete a systematic review of literature examining the potential of using aerobic exercise as a treatment intervention for METH addiction. Since little research has addressed this issue directly, this systematic review will also consider the poten-tial of aerobic exercise to counter the neurotoxic damage resulting from METH abuse. Po-tential mechanisms whereby aerobic exercise might exert its healing effects include positive influences on BDNF, the NSDA system, and hippocampal health. Completion of a systematic review of the aerobic exercise and METH literature should provide insight for the formulation of future research projects. PROPOSED OUTLINE Methamphetamine: 411 Aerobic Exercise: 411 BDNF • Introduction: 411 • Results: - Meth and BDNF - Exercise and BDNF • Discussion: Dopamine • Introduction: 411 • Results: - Meth and Dopamine - Exercise and Dopamine • Discussion: Hippocampus • Introduction: 411 • Results: - Meth and Hippocampus - Exercise and Hippocampus • Discussion: General Conclusions Future Directions • Based on the literature discussed in this systematic review… About the Author? Insight into the motivation for this review? Dictionary References A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: AEROBIC EXERCISE AS A TREATMENT FOR METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE? Caitlin Janeway (Patricia Eisenman) Department of Exercise and Sport Science University of Utah honors college Caitlin Janeway Patricia Eisenman |
