Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Cocaine dissolves in the mucous lining of the nasal passages
and quickly passes into the bloodstream, where it is carried
to the brain. The user experiences the effects of the drug in
a few minutes.
(Jon Schulte/iStockphoto)
stimulant), act directly on dopamine transmission. Both cocaine and am-
phetamine block reuptake of dopamine, which means that more dopamine
is available to activate postsynaptic receptors. Due to the links between
excessive dopamine and schizophrenia, it comes as no surprise that the
use of cocaine, amphetamine, and similar drugs such as “crack” (a form of
cocaine) often lead to symptoms strongly resembling schizophrenia.
What is dopamine's role in drug abuse? People apparently start us-
ing substances such as cocaine because it makes them temporarily feel
good—they get a “high.” Part of the reason this happens is that dopamine
transmission is a critical component in the neural mechanisms of rein-
forcement. Reinforcement encourages behavior by making the person feel
good, or by removing negative feelings. Neural reward systems in the brain
are important in reinforcing behaviors such as eating and mating, which
are necessary to support the individual's survival as well as the survival of
Search WWH ::
Custom Search