
This may explain why people who chronically use crystal meth often develop emotional and cognitive difficulties. Due to this, it may radically change behaviors and emotions. It affects areas of the brain linked to emotion and memory, as well as structures associated with judgment. The dopamine rush in the reward centers of the brain gives a person a sense of euphoria soon after taking the drug.Īccording to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), brain imaging studies on people who have inappropriately used methamphetamine for a long time suggest that dopamine system activity changes in such a way that it can seriously compromise a person’s verbal learning and motor skills.Ĭrystal meth can also severely affect the brain’s structure and function.

As a result, it increases the levels of dopamine in the body.ĭopamine plays an important role in motor function, motivation, reward, and how the brain experiences and interprets pleasure. For example, smoking offers a shorter and more intense high, including a “rush” when a person first smokes.Ĭrystal meth boosts the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine and stops its reuptake. The way a person takes meth may affect the high. How do people take it?Ī person can snort or inject crystal meth. If they stop using them, they may experience painful withdrawal effects. People with a substance use disorder may use these types of drugs, and others, to feel normal. This tolerance may cause a person to use more crystal meth to get the same high they once got with a lower dose. It also reduces other desired effects of the drug, including improvements in libido and concentration. This reduces the intensity of the high a person gets. However, as with most addictive substances, the body begins to tolerate meth with prolonged use. Some people choose meth because of its longer lasting effects. Some people self-medicate for these effects, hoping to lose weight, improve their sexual performance, reduce depression, or concentrate more at work or school.įor most people, the effects of crystal meth last for 6–12 hours, making the “high” much longer than that of other stimulants, such as cocaine. Meth can also cause rapid weight loss, a higher libido, and intense feelings of alertness and concentration. People may choose meth because of these euphoric effects.

Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant drug that can cause feelings of euphoria and high energy.
