Alcohol and Methamphetamine Interactions and Co-abuse

Amanda L. Sharpe, Marta Trzeciak, Kylie Handa, Michael J. Beckstead

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The vast majority of psychostimulant abusers regularly use multiple chemical substances. Methamphetamine (METH) and alcohol (ethanol) are a frequently observed combination for co-abuse, with individuals who ingest the two substances both concurrently and sequentially. Despite the understanding that polydrug use is a feature of illicit drug use disorders, research into mechanisms and treatments for drug combinations such as METH and alcohol is in its infancy. This chapter focuses on the prevalence of co-abuse, including use during pregnancy, and touches on what is currently known about the central nervous system interactions that could contribute to reinforcement and toxicity. Multiple neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate have been implicated in the effects of METH and alcohol, and evidence suggests that inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 could contribute to combined neurotoxicity of the compounds. Future work will be needed to establish optimal animal models and to identify novel targets for the treatment of METH-alcohol co-abuse.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Biology to Public Health
PublisherSpringer International Publishing AG
Pages2775-2796
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9783030923921
ISBN (Print)9783030923914
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alcohol
  • Brain
  • Co-abuse
  • Cyclooxygenase
  • Dopamine
  • Ethanol
  • Glutamate
  • Methamphetamine
  • Neuron
  • Polydrug
  • Reinforcement
  • Self-administration
  • Serotonin
  • Striatum
  • Toxicity

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