Nascar and Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine would not ordinarily be associated with NASCAR. But recently it’s been quite the news item with the Jeremy Mayfield procedings. The sport is all about safety for drivers and fans. How could this drug become a part of an otherwise family-friendly culture? When drug tests reveal the presence of these or other chemicals, then the stories fly. This article will take a brief look at “meth” and why it might be used by a race car driver…to get high or was it a performance enhancement?
Jeremy Mayfield April 2009 Photo by George Walker
Methamphetamine comes in many forms and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested. The preferred method of methamphetamine abuse varies by geographical region and has changed over time. Smoking methamphetamine, which leads to very fast uptake of the drug in the brain, has become more common in recent years, amplifying methamphetamine’s addiction potential and adverse health consequences.
The drug also alters mood in different ways, depending on how it is taken. Immediately after smoking the drug or injecting it intravenously, the user experiences an intense rush or “flash” that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Snorting or oral ingestion produces euphoria – a high but not an intense rush. Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and oral ingestion produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.
As with similar stimulants, methamphetamine most often is used in a “binge and crash” pattern. Because the pleasurable effects of methamphetamine disappear even before the drug concentration in the blood falls significantly – users try to maintain the high by taking more of the drug. In some cases, abusers indulge in a form of binging known as a “run,” foregoing food and sleep while continuing abuse for up to several days.
The psychological effects are notably powerful. Users have indicated that meth fills you with pride, well-being, happiness, determination, and a huge self-esteem that the person is willing to protect by all means more than ever before. While you are feeling better then ever before, not realizing that you are actually falling, and in a sense becoming a different person, with a different personality, a whole new character, while the “true” you is still present, but being locked up behind a barrier that prevents any and all of your former morals, personalities, and beliefs from playing any roles within this new person. Like a glass wall leaving you at times able to see thru and sometimes feel from what you used to be, but never able to penetrate. It’s when you have your first experience with the feelings of your former self, which rarely happens, and for some, may never happen, that you first realize you are addicted.
2. Lack of appetite,
3. Nervous twitching,
4. Blaming others,
5. Grinding teeth,
6. Clenching jaw,
7. Seldom smile,
8. Avoid family and normal friends,
9. Unable to be responsible,
10. Dental and skin health gets worse,
11. Abnormally high amounts of energy,
12. Paranoia,
13. Obsessive perverse sexual behavior,
14. Enlarged pupils,
15. Tweaking.
How is methamphetamine different
from other stimulants, such as cocaine…a more scientific view?
Methamphetamine is structurally similar to amphetamine and the neurotransmitter dopamine, but it is quite different from cocaine. Although these stimulants have similar behavioral and physiological effects, there are some major differences in the basic mechanisms of how they work. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed and almost completely metabolized in the body, methamphetamine has a much longer duration of action and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body. This results in methamphetamine being present in the brain longer, which ultimately leads to prolonged stimulant effects. And although both methamphetamine and cocaine increase levels of the brain chemical dopamine, animal studies reveal much higher levels of dopamine following administration of methamphetamine due to the different mechanisms of action within nerve cells in response to these drugs. Cocaine prolongs dopamine actions in the brain by blocking dopamine re-uptake. While at low doses, methamphetamine blocks dopamine re-uptake, methamphetamine also increases the release of dopamine, leading to much higher concentrations in the synapse, which can be toxic to nerve terminals.
I applaud NASCAR for it’s rigor in testing and perseverance, in attempting to keep (select) drivers safe from themselves. Whether it be steroids or stimulants, the athlete always loses in the end. And in this case, many fans and associates of Mr. Mayfield must be on an emotional roller-coaster that includes, anger, sadness, shock and perhaps a touch of empathy. Many will have to recover from this episode. Let’s hope it’s the last of this variety in NASCAR.
Bruce Cameron, The Nascar Analyst
Chad McCumbee on Sat, 1st Aug 2009 6:17 pm
Sucks that folks would go so far as this. Thanks for the info.
Deanna Walker on Thu, 25th Mar 2010 10:33 pm
Addiction is horrible not only for the addict but also for their family and friends. I agree that NASCAR should be commended for their diligent efforts in keeping drivers, and fans safe.