Depression

Most of us know the short-term effects of crystal: feelings of euphoria, lack of inhibition, reduced appetite, dehydration and increased body temperature.
However, not everyone is as familiar with crystal's long-term effects. These include addiction, stroke, heartbeat irregularities, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion and paranoia (no, we are not making this up).

The sense of euphoria on crystal comes from the drug's ability to flood the brain with dopamine and norepinephrine, two naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that give us a sense of pleasure. Sounds great so far. The problem comes in when you "crash." The crash is the result of temporarily using up all the "feel good" neurotransmitters. This is why depression is so common after using crystal. In addition, if you are already on anti-depressants, you are wasting your time, crystal undermines the way anti-depressants work.

Long-term crystal use can result in serious damage to the pleasure centers of the brain, impairing its ability to transport dopamine. This is why heavy users of crystal report that over time they are taking the drug just to feel normal. The long-term result is a condition very much like Parkinson's disease, also caused by a lack of dopamine. Symptoms of long-term crystal use on this part of the brain include diminished ability to think clearly and move properly.
THE GOOD NEWS IS… Research has shown that crystal users who sty off the drug for at least nine months can regain their body's ability to produce dopamine. However, while dopamine production resumes, there is not much improvement of cognitive function.

(Information above excerpted from "A Few Things to Know About Speed" published by the SF DPH and adapted from a Bay Area Reporter article.)