Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Methamphetamine self-administration by humans subjected to abrupt shift and sleep schedule changes
Matthew G Kirkpatrick1, Margaret Haney, Suzanne K Vosburg
1Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, USA.
Psychopharmacology
|December 5, 2008
Summary
Shift workers may use methamphetamine before work to combat fatigue and poor performance, especially during night shifts. This stimulant use helps manage behavioral demands associated with disrupted sleep patterns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Methamphetamine can mitigate disruptions caused by shift work.
- The drug's reinforcing effects during shift work are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methamphetamine's effects on mood and performance during simulated shift work.
- To characterize the reinforcing properties of methamphetamine in a shift work context.
Main Methods:
- Ten volunteers participated in a 19-day simulated shift work study.
- Participants self-administered methamphetamine or a voucher during day and night shifts.
- Task performance and mood were assessed across different work schedules.
Main Results:
- Night shifts impaired psychomotor performance and mood, particularly on the first night.
- Methamphetamine was chosen more frequently on the first night shift compared to the first day shift.
- Participants consistently preferred taking methamphetamine before work (73%) over after work (34%).
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine self-administration predominantly occurred before work shifts.
- Stimulant use by shift workers may be a strategy to cope with performance deficits and fatigue.
- Findings suggest a link between stimulant use and managing demands of irregular work schedules.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
01:24CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
CNS stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids, have varying structures and mechanisms of action that lead to different therapeutic effects and side effects. Cocaine, with its molecular formula C17H21NO4, is a tropane alkaloid and a tertiary amino compound. It has two chemical forms: the hydrochloride salt and the "freebase." The former is in powder form, while the latter involves removing the hydrochloride salt to create a form that can be smoked. Cocaine exerts its effects by...
01:29Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...