https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/crystal_meth/ Read the latest medical research on methamphetamine, crystal meth and related illegal drugs and controlled substances. en-us Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:23:54 EDT Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:23:54 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/crystal_meth/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040559.htm Human evolution has long been tied to growing brain size, and new research suggests prenatal hormones may have played a surprising role. By studying the relative lengths of index and ring fingers — a clue to oestrogen and testosterone exposure in the womb — researchers found that higher prenatal estrogen was linked to larger head size in newborn boys. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:42:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040559.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm New research using rhesus monkeys suggests that the brain’s relationship with alcohol may begin forming long before a person ever takes a drink. Scientists found that exposure to alcohol before birth reshaped the brain’s dopamine system, a key player in motivation and reward, and those changes were linked to faster drinking later in adulthood. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:26:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010322.htm Prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes widespread brain abnormalities and poorer motor skills in children. Even after a residential ban, ongoing agricultural use continues to endanger developing brains. Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:54:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010322.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311121318.htm Parenting skills can make a big difference in fostering a newborn's language acquisition and cognition, but there may be a limit to how far parenting can go to make up the challenges to developing this skill in those born in highly disadvantaged backgrounds. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:13:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250311121318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310201802.htm Researchers found new insights on the timing of prenatal stress and its effect on infant stress reactivity and temperament -- including differences between genders. Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:18:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250310201802.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304203823.htm Psychosocial stress during pregnancy could lead to higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum according to new research. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:38:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304203823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121120537.htm A new study analyzed data from participants who have been followed for over 50 years, starting before their births. Researchers found that maternal immune activity during a critical period of sex-dependent brain development in pregnancy affected the offspring's long-term memory circuitry and function in childhood and midlife, with different patterns for males and females. Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:05:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241121120537.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114161513.htm Evidence has been growing to suggest that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, poses risks to the developing fetus by impacting brain development. Now a new preclinical research study finds that this could increase the risk of addiction to opioids later in life. Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:15:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114161513.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926132021.htm The effects of sustained drug abuse can manifest in many ways. Loss of memory and reduced cognitive functions are some of the effects that can persist for years. Scientists have now identified a mechanism in the brain that generates drug-induced cognitive impairments. Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:20:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240926132021.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240816173914.htm A new study that details trends among psychiatric hospitalizations between 2015-2019 finds that while most hospitalizations did not involve any substances, methamphetamine-related hospitalizations have increased while overall number of psychiatric hospitalizations remained stable. Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:39:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240816173914.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240705130221.htm Researchers outline some of the intermediate biological steps that could play into how prenatal cannabis exposure leads to behavioral issues down the line. Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:02:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240705130221.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240530182212.htm During pregnancy, the effects of therapeutical doses of amphetamine have been investigated on birth outcomes in humans. However, a thorough investigation of the mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine remains largely unexplored. Using a tiny worm, researchers have revealed the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to methamphetamine (Meth) and amphetamines, a psychostimulant used to treat a variety of brain dysfunctions. Thu, 30 May 2024 18:22:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240530182212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508113120.htm Despite the high prevalence of substance abuse and its often devastating outcomes, especially among disadvantaged populations, few Americans receive treatment for substance use disorders. However, the rise of mobile health technologies can make treatments more accessible. Wed, 08 May 2024 11:31:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508113120.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240411130322.htm Childhood verbal abuse by adults costs society an estimated $300 billion a year globally, show recent findings. Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:03:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240411130322.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240402192545.htm Researchers have found that even low to moderate alcohol use by pregnant patients may contribute to subtle changes in their babies' prenatal development, including lower birth length and a shorter duration of gestation. Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:25:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240402192545.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240318142303.htm Contrary to some claims, laws that criminalize or otherwise punish drug use during pregnancy are more likely to worsen rather than improve health outcomes. The study is the first to systematically review the literature on punitive prenatal drug laws -- an increasingly common state policy strategy for addressing rising rates of prenatal drug use. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:23:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240318142303.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240305134228.htm Although several studies have linked smoking during pregnancy with neurodevelopmental disorders, the results of behavioral experiments in mice prenatally exposed to nicotine have been inconsistent. In a recent study, scientists from Japan developed a deep learning-based framework to automatically observe and classify mice behavior in such experiments, producing more accurate and unbiased results. They show that prenatal exposure to nicotine could increase the risk of autism spectrum- and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders in newborns. Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:42:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240305134228.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240229124517.htm Children prenatally exposed to anesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy were significantly more likely than unexposed children to receive a diagnosis of a disruptive or internalizing behavioral disorder including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral disorders, developmental speech or language disorders and autism, according to a new study. Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:45:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240229124517.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240220143719.htm Researchers have found a correlation between early signs of adrenal puberty in first-born daughters and their mothers' having experienced high levels of prenatal stress. They did not find the same result in boys or daughters who were not first-born. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:37:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240220143719.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240123122213.htm Previous research has established that childhood experience with abuse, neglect, and substance use in the home can worsen a person's heart health throughout their life. New research, however, now shows that receiving warmth from a caregiver during childhood protects cardiovascular health later in life, according to a new study. Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:22:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240123122213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240110120223.htm Reducing stimulant use was associated with significant improvement in measures of health and recovery among people with stimulant use disorder, even if they did not achieve total abstinence. This finding is according to an analysis of data from 13 randomized clinical trials of treatments for stimulant use disorders involving methamphetamine and cocaine. Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:02:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240110120223.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231211114651.htm Partners and children who are subject to domestic abuse are more likely to experience certain physical and mental health effects than previously thought, according to a new meta-analysis. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:46:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231211114651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231201123609.htm According to a new study B-12 vitamins increase the presence of the micronutrient in mothers' breast milk, which is especially helpful in countries where it can be difficult to eat what is needed for the body to produce B-12 naturally. Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:36:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231201123609.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231010182952.htm Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, may be unfolding in brain cells even before birth, despite typically going undiagnosed until age 3 or later. A new study showed that FMRP, a protein deficient in individuals with fragile X syndrome, has a role in the function of mitochondria, part of a cell that produces energy, during prenatal development. Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:29:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231010182952.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231002124354.htm A new systematic review has highlighted the importance of identifying childhood verbal abuse by adults as a standalone subtype of child maltreatment, to ensure targeted prevention and address the lasting harm it can inflict. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:43:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231002124354.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230829125934.htm A new study shows that people suffering from hospital-treated depression may have a high risk of developing conditions such as substance abuse, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety -- depending on their genetic predisposition to the individual disorder. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:59:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230829125934.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230706160116.htm Researchers showed that consuming THC while pregnant could potentially affect development of the fetus and lead to life-long health impacts for offspring. Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:01:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230706160116.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230705122459.htm New research has found that the way childhood abuse and/or neglect is remembered and processed has a greater impact on later mental health than the experience itself. The authors suggest that, even in the absence of documented evidence, clinicians can use patients' self-reported experiences of abuse and neglect to identify those at risk of developing mental health difficulties and provide early interventions. Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:24:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230705122459.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230418101427.htm Information available at birth may help to identify children with higher likelihood of developing ADHD, according to new research. Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:14:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230418101427.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230217103942.htm Researchers used the drug fasudil to restore neurons and improve methamphetamine-induced cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of schizophrenia. Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:39:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230217103942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230216083947.htm Researchers have used artificial intelligence to discover a link between alterations in the shape of children's faces and the amount of alcohol their mothers drank, before and during pregnancy. Even small amounts, less than one glass of wine a week, made a difference. Face shapes are an indicator of underlying health and developmental problems. Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:39:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230216083947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221202124830.htm Does stress during pregnancy impact children's cell aging, and does race matter? The answer is yes, according to a new study. Fri, 02 Dec 2022 12:48:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221202124830.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221130151542.htm A low-cost, prenatal intervention benefits mothers' mental health up to eight years later, a new study finds. Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:15:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221130151542.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221129214707.htm Children who are exposed to the Zika virus while in the womb, but who are not subsequently diagnosed with Zika-related birth defects and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), may still display differences in some aspects of cognitive development, mood and mobility compared to unexposed children, researchers report. The findings suggest that Zika-exposed children may need some additional support and monitoring as they get older. Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:47:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221129214707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221128113008.htm New research finds that approximately one third of children born to mothers infected with Zika virus while pregnant presented with abnormalities consistent with Congenital Zika Syndrome in the first years of life. Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:30:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221128113008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221121105304.htm The number of stores selling alcohol in a neighborhood is linked to cases of child abuse and neglect in the same area, a new study suggests. Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:53:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221121105304.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221116113122.htm The ADHD medication lisdexamfetamine was associated with the lowest risk of hospitalization and death in people with amphetamine addiction, when medications generally used among persons with substance use disorders were compared, according to a new study. Wed, 16 Nov 2022 11:31:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221116113122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221004121942.htm Acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with sleep and behavior problems consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:19:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221004121942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220929133339.htm According to a new study, third-trimester fetuses with in utero opioid exposure exhibited multiple smaller 2D biometric measurements of the brain, as well as altered fetal physiology, on investigational MRI. Thu, 29 Sep 2022 13:33:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220929133339.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220921093012.htm Substance abuse among U.S. adolescents is diminishing, except for an uptake in cannabis and vaping use, according to a new study. The findings show that low social engagement and participation in structured activities seemed to be the overall best predictors of substance abuse avoidance. Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:30:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220921093012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220907093352.htm Pregnant people who had bigger fluctuations in stress from one moment to the next -- also called lability -- had infants with more fear, sadness and distress at three months old than mothers with less stress variability, reports a new study. Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:33:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220907093352.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220815112812.htm Methamphetamine remains a stubbornly prevalent illicit substance in large swaths of rural America, according to a new study. The findings show that methamphetamine remains a common drug, and is driving overdoses in rural communities. About four of five people who use drugs in rural areas across 10 states reported using methamphetamines in the past 30 days, according to the study. Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:28:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220815112812.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220719162125.htm Researchers used a new kind of computational tool to parse the complicated genetics that put some people at higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, and likely other substances. Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:21:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220719162125.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220603100121.htm When parents in countries worldwide use spanking as a behavior deterrent, their children are more likely to become a victim of physical abuse, say researchers. Fri, 03 Jun 2022 10:01:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220603100121.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220427100503.htm The likelihood of developing high cholesterol -- a risk factor for heart disease and stroke -- was higher among white men and white women who experienced abuse during childhood, according to a study of more than 5,000 Black and white adults in the U.S. In contrast, growing up in a well-managed household with family members who were involved and engaged in the child's life offset the higher risk of high cholesterol among white women and Black men who reported abuse during childhood. Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:05:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220427100503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405102900.htm Clinical awareness of connection between alcohol and dementia is paramount to providing the best patient care management. Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:29:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405102900.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220216103038.htm Researchers have identified a gene linked to fetal brain development and autism. Their work shows that the gene is influenced by the mother's early prenatal vitamins use and placental oxygen levels. Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:30:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220216103038.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220209112107.htm A routine prenatal ultrasound in the second trimester can identify early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a new study has found. Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:21:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220209112107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211105103757.htm New research shows the lifelong toll that adverse events in childhood can take on your health. Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:37:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211105103757.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211027121948.htm A study has found that adults with maltreatment-related posttraumatic stress disorder or a history of sexual abuse have lower brain connectivity in the attention systems known as the ventral and dorsal attention network. These networks enable us to shift attention from external events to a specific task. The team also found that oxytocin, a hormone associated with social affiliation as well as stress response, increases brain connectivity in those systems. Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:19:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211027121948.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210927143649.htm Researchers describe how withdrawal from nicotine, methamphetamine and cocaine alters the functional architecture and patterns in the brains of mice, compared to control animals, a key to developing addiction treatments. Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:36:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210927143649.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210923115627.htm A new study found that adults who reported experiencing sexual abuse by the age of 16 had a 2.6 times higher risk of dying in middle age -- that is, between 45 and 58 -- than those who did not report sexual abuse. Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:56:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210923115627.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210916114558.htm According to a new study, parental alienating behaviors and coercively controlling abuse are similar, and should be treated similarly in family court proceedings. Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:45:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210916114558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210713145849.htm Children exposed to elevated levels of air pollution may be more likely to have poor inhibitory control during late childhood and poor academic skills in early adolescence, including spelling, reading comprehension, and math skills. Difficulty with inhibition in late childhood was found to be a precursor to later air pollution-related academic problems. Interventions that target inhibitory control might improve outcomes. Tue, 13 Jul 2021 14:58:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210713145849.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210510104415.htm An analysis of historical medical records found that men who were prenatally exposed during early gestation to the Dutch famine of 1944-1945 were 30 percent more likely to be overweight with a Body Mass Index of 25 or over at age 19, compared to a similar group not exposed to the famine. Mon, 10 May 2021 10:44:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210510104415.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210428140901.htm Adverse environmental exposures during pregnancy -- including those that occur before pregnancy is recognized -- have a sizable effect on risk for psychiatric symptoms in childhood. Researchers are working to discover, develop and implement early life interventions that can mitigate some of these risks. Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:09:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210428140901.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210414154958.htm A refined and validated bruising clinical decision rule (BCDR), called TEN-4-FACESp, which specifies body regions on which bruising is likely due to abuse for infants and young children, may improve earlier recognition of cases that should be further evaluated for child abuse. Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:49:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210414154958.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316112316.htm Researchers found two simultaneous conditions during pregnancy in response to stress that made them realize just how complex the cross-talk between mom and baby is during gestation: Immune cells in the placenta and uterus were not activated, but significant inflammation was detected in the fetal brain. Tue, 16 Mar 2021 11:23:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316112316.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316083810.htm Children who are exposed to abuse before they are eleven years old, and those exposed to abuse both in childhood and adolescence may be more likely to develop conduct problems (such as bullying or stealing) than those exposed to abuse in adolescence only and those who are not exposed to abuse, according to a new study. Tue, 16 Mar 2021 08:38:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210316083810.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210208114249.htm The physical origin of alcohol addiction has been located in a network of the human brain that regulates our response to danger, according to a researchers. Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:42:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210208114249.htm