Mind Over Matter - Teacher's Guide

Methamphetamine Activity Two

Objective
The student will become familiar with how Methamphetamine changes brain functioning and the potential long-term implications of these changes.

Activity
Review the effects of Methamphetamine on the brain, paying particular attention to its effects on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Have students break into small groups. Ask each group to write and perform a play that demonstrates how Methamphetamine changes the normal functioning of neurons that contain dopamine. Discuss with students how these changes can result in long-term impairment of dopamine function and the implications of this impairment (e.g., inability to feel pleasure, symptoms of Parkinson's Disease).