The purpose of this report is to investigate how crystal methamphetamine affects the brain and therefore their depressive state, an overview of what the body's and brain's reaction is when the drug is consumed and what the drugs properties are.
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Background

Crystal methamphetamine is a form of the highly ‘potent ’stimulant drug, methamphetamine.

 It is a synthetic, white, odorless powder that is easily dissolvable in water and alcohol. Being a synthetic drug, or man made, means that many chemicals are involved in the making of the drug. These chemicals include acetone, lithium, toluene, hydrochloric acid, Pseudoephedrine, red phosphorus, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, lighter fluid and iodine crystals. Illegal methamphetamine is manufactured in illegal laboratories. These chemicals are used to increase the drug's potency. 

Typically the drug is smoked, snorted or injected, and depending on the form you take it, will often take under 20 minutes for the dopamine levels to increase. 

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that is in control of the brain's reward and pleasure centre. When this drg is taken, it increases the normal dopamine levels by 1000x within the first hour.
Crystal meth affects the nervous system. The nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. These effects include an increase of your bodily reactions including heart rate, breathing rate, talkativeness and a sense of pleasurable euphoria. This also results in a decrease of appetite. 

Being a synthetic drug, or man made, means that many chemicals are involved in the making of the drug. These chemicals include acetone, lithium, toluene, hydrochloric acid, Pseudoephedrine, red phosphorus, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, lighter fluid and iodine crystals. Illegal methamphetamine is manufactured in illegal laboratories. These chemicals are used to increase the drug's potency. 

Figure 1- methamphetamine structure Retrieved from: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Methamphetamine.png

Discussion

Crystal methamphetamine affects the brain in many different ways. Short term and long term effects have a severe impact on a user's mental health. Side effects of a crystal meth user include loss of appetite, significant weight loss, severe mood swings and unpredictable behaviour. Moods of a crystal methamphetamine abuser can “mimic the mania and depressive phases of manic depression”. Symptoms of manic depression have a similar effect on neurotransmitters and nerve pathways to the brain. Recent studies show that features of depressive illnesses can be copied by an abuser with the withdrawal of use crystal methamphetamine. When an abuser withdrawals from meth intake one of the main side effects include feelings of depression which causes the user to intake more crystal methamphetamine to re experience the feeling of ‘euphoria’. 

Long term effects of crystal methamphetamine use include cognitive damage and behavioral changes. Cognitive damage causes the brain to lose the ‘good’ feeling in the body. Meth effects the dopamine on these receptors which ultimately makes it impossible to feel pleasure. Behavioral changes include aggressive behavior or on the other end of the scale, social isolation as the addiction worsens. This can lead to personal relationship issues, legal troubles and and manic depressive states.

Conclusion

This research report discusses and provides understanding of the effect of crystal methamphetamine on the brain, and therefore the state of depression. Crystal Methamphetamine is a synthetic highly addictive potent drug. Crystal meth is a white, odourless powder that is easily dissolvable in water and alcohol. The drug can increase