If smoked or injected, users report increased energy and motivation often coupled with a false sense of invincibility. The crystals are dropped into the bowl, the bowl is heated with a blue flame lighter or torch. The smoke is inhaled for the high. The high is followed by an unpleasant effect as the brain tries to rebalance its chemistry but is prevented by the drug residues. Trying another hit to get the high back starts the cycle of addiction.
Addicts say the first hit started a compulsion to keep using the drug.
Brain Effects Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells , enhancing mood and body movement. Athletes and students sometimes begin using meth because of the initial heightened physical and mental performance the drug produces. Initially, small doses of meth do increase the ability to concentrate. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.