Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy forPTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

[Guest guest]

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort. I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not THE, hardest drugs to kick.T.Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: Durant <Durant_B@...>Sender: SSRI medications Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500SSRI medications SSRI<SSRI Medication >Reply SSRI medications Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy forPTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated prescriptions.I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory. He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him. Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high price.SSRI medications From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) netDate: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!? Unbelievable.On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden wrote:http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.htmlHOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSDMonday, July 5, 2010By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. Photographed by:Darren Stone, Times ColonistCALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder."Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air."What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained."We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak."Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."© Copyright © Canwest News ServiceSent via BlackBerry by AT & T------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort. I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not THE, hardest drugs to kick.T.Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: Durant <Durant_B@...>Sender: SSRI medications Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500SSRI medications SSRI<SSRI Medication >Reply SSRI medications Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy forPTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated prescriptions.I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory. He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him. Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high price.SSRI medications From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) netDate: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!? Unbelievable.On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden wrote:http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.htmlHOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSDMonday, July 5, 2010By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. Photographed by:Darren Stone, Times ColonistCALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder."Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air."What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained."We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak."Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."© Copyright © Canwest News ServiceSent via BlackBerry by AT & T------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort. I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not THE, hardest drugs to kick.T.Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: Durant <Durant_B@...>Sender: SSRI medications Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500SSRI medications SSRI<SSRI Medication >Reply SSRI medications Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy forPTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated prescriptions.I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory. He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him. Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high price.SSRI medications From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) netDate: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!? Unbelievable.On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden wrote:http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.htmlHOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSDMonday, July 5, 2010By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. Photographed by:Darren Stone, Times ColonistCALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder."Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air."What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained."We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak."Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."© Copyright © Canwest News ServiceSent via BlackBerry by AT & T------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort. I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not THE, hardest drugs to kick.T.Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: Durant <Durant_B@...>Sender: SSRI medications Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500SSRI medications SSRI<SSRI Medication >Reply SSRI medications Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy forPTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated prescriptions.I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory. He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him. Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high price.SSRI medications From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) netDate: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!? Unbelievable.On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden wrote:http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.htmlHOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSDMonday, July 5, 2010By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. Photographed by:Darren Stone, Times ColonistCALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder."Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air."What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained."We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak."Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."© Copyright © Canwest News ServiceSent via BlackBerry by AT & T------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I read that the DEA had nailed down that the whole meth

problem would be solved by stopping the production of  pseudoephedrine.

The drug companies stopped that and we still have meth. This was in a

80's.

On 7/6/2010 10:14 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on

meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's

more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that

she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of

her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort.

I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not

THE, hardest drugs to kick.

T.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: Durant <Durant_B@...>

Sender: SSRI medications

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500

SSRI medications

SSRI<SSRI Medication >

Reply SSRI medications

Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as

possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma

pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they

continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose

only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated

prescriptions.

I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory.

He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him.

Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high

price.

SSRI medications

From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) net

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500

Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy

for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Unbelievable.

On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden

wrote:

http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.html





HOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY



Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD

Monday, July 5, 2010

By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald

 



Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak.

 

Photographed by:

Darren Stone, Times Colonist

CALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.

The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.

Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.

Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.

Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.

Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.

During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air.

"What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained.

"We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "

The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak.

"Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."

© Copyright © Canwest News Service

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I read that the DEA had nailed down that the whole meth

problem would be solved by stopping the production of  pseudoephedrine.

The drug companies stopped that and we still have meth. This was in a

80's.

On 7/6/2010 10:14 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on

meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's

more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that

she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of

her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort.

I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not

THE, hardest drugs to kick.

T.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: Durant <Durant_B@...>

Sender: SSRI medications

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500

SSRI medications

SSRI<SSRI Medication >

Reply SSRI medications

Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as

possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma

pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they

continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose

only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated

prescriptions.

I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory.

He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him.

Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high

price.

SSRI medications

From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) net

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500

Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy

for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Unbelievable.

On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden

wrote:

http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.html





HOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY



Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD

Monday, July 5, 2010

By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald

 



Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak.

 

Photographed by:

Darren Stone, Times Colonist

CALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.

The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.

Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.

Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.

Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.

Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.

During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air.

"What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained.

"We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "

The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak.

"Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."

© Copyright © Canwest News Service

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I read that the DEA had nailed down that the whole meth

problem would be solved by stopping the production of  pseudoephedrine.

The drug companies stopped that and we still have meth. This was in a

80's.

On 7/6/2010 10:14 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on

meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's

more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that

she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of

her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort.

I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not

THE, hardest drugs to kick.

T.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: Durant <Durant_B@...>

Sender: SSRI medications

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500

SSRI medications

SSRI<SSRI Medication >

Reply SSRI medications

Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as

possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma

pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they

continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose

only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated

prescriptions.

I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory.

He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him.

Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high

price.

SSRI medications

From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) net

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500

Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy

for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Unbelievable.

On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden

wrote:

http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.html





HOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY



Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD

Monday, July 5, 2010

By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald

 



Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak.

 

Photographed by:

Darren Stone, Times Colonist

CALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.

The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.

Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.

Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.

Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.

Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.

During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air.

"What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained.

"We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "

The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak.

"Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."

© Copyright © Canwest News Service

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I read that the DEA had nailed down that the whole meth

problem would be solved by stopping the production of  pseudoephedrine.

The drug companies stopped that and we still have meth. This was in a

80's.

On 7/6/2010 10:14 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

Isn't it just the most ridiculous concept you've ever heard? People on

meth cannot function. Period. All that matters is making sure there's

more meth to be had. We knew a couple in the mid-80s who agreed that

she would "turn tricks" to support their habit. She gave up custody of

her kids because they required too much attention, time, money, effort.

I am so glad your son found a path to sobriety. It's one of the, if not

THE, hardest drugs to kick.

T.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

From: Durant <Durant_B@...>

Sender: SSRI medications

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 22:02:24 -0500

SSRI medications

SSRI<SSRI Medication >

Reply SSRI medications

Subject: RE: Crystal meth studied as

possible therapy for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Just what I have learned to expect. The doctors and their pharma

pimps (sales reps) will help increase pharma's profits; while, they

continue to destroy lives. You have to wonder if the inmates, whose

only crime was addiction to meth, will be released with mandated

prescriptions.

I know that while my son was on meth, he did not have increased memory.

He forgot about everything and everyone which was important to him.

Thank God, he has turned his life around, after we all paid a high

price.

SSRI medications

From: mofunnowswbell (DOT) net

Date: Tue, 6 Jul 2010 14:14:41 -0500

Subject: Re: Crystal meth studied as possible therapy

for PTSD - based on POND SNAIL MEMORY research?!?!?

 

Unbelievable.

On 7/5/2010 9:26 PM, nandtbearden

wrote:

http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/health/top-stories/Crystal+meth+studied+possible+therapy+PTSD/3237087/story.html





HOME | HEALTH | TOP STORIES | STORY



Crystal meth studied as possible therapy for PTSD

Monday, July 5, 2010

By Komarnicki, Calgary Herald

 



Crystal meth is pictured (front left). The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak.

 

Photographed by:

Darren Stone, Times Colonist

CALGARY — A University of Calgary researcher hopes to learn more about human memory by studying the effects of crystal meth on snails.

The research, recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows the highly addictive drug can improve memory in pond snails, said University of Calgary professor Lukowiak. The research could one day help scientists understand how to use certain non-addictive properties of meth to alter memories in humans.

Although the ability to improve memory holds value, Lukowiak said he's also interested in how to make the thoughts "disappear." Such research could be useful, for example, when treating soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Somehow, the meth is altering the genes necessary to form memory so that they're turned on or turned off much more easily," he said.

Lukowiak, who has been studying memory since 1978, began the project with snails and meth about five years ago in conjunction with a Washington State University researcher.

Pond snails were chosen for the study since they are a "relatively simple organism with a relatively simple nervous system," Lukowiak said.

Researchers know, for example, where in the nervous system a snail's memories are made, as well as how they're stored and accessed.

During the study, the research team performed a number of memory experiments on the snails. For example, the snails were put in a pond water solution containing meth, which moved across their skin. A day later, the researchers performed some memory training by tapping the snails on their snorkel-like breathing tube when the mollusks came up from the water for additional air.

"What we do is we actually touch that snorkel lightly. That causes it to close. The snails don't like that," Lukowiak explained.

"We train the snails for a half-hour, touch their breathing tube every time they open it. Then we come back 24 hours later, put them in the exact same situation, and say, 'OK, how many times are you going to try and open it.' "

The training should only have given them memory that lasted three hours; using meth, the snails remembered the behaviour for as long as 24 hours, said Lukowiak.

"Somehow, the meth has primed the pump, it has enabled the training to now turn on or turn off the genes necessary for long-term memory, whereas before they didn't."

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