How Does Cocaine Affect the Nervous System and What Makes It Addictive?

AI Thread Summary
Cocaine significantly impacts the human nervous system by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline through transporters in presynaptic neurons, leading to elevated dopamine levels in the synapses. This increase, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, is linked to the pleasurable effects of cocaine and similar psychoactive substances. For those seeking in-depth information, resources such as Wikipedia and Erowid provide foundational knowledge, while PubMed offers access to over 500 peer-reviewed articles on cocaine's effects. The discussion also highlights confusion regarding the specific processes cocaine interrupts in neuronal communication, particularly concerning pre- and post-synaptic neurons. Additionally, the addictive nature of cocaine is questioned, with inquiries about whether a specific chemical component or the pursuit of euphoria drives addiction.
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Can anyone hook me up with some good sites that describe the science behind how cocaine affects the human nervous system? I've searched by found little quality I'll be grateful is you can procide me with any sites/info.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine

http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/cocaine/


Amphetamines and cocaine bind to — thus blocking — transporters used for the reuptake of dopamine (and noradrenaline) into presynaptic neurons. This causes the level of dopamine to rise in the synapses. High levels of dopamine in an area of the brain called the nucleus accumbens appear to mediate the pleasurable effects associated with these (as well as other) psychoactive drugs.

Source: http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/D/Drugs.html
 
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I'm still slightly confused...what process is this that cocaine interupts? can anyone maybe give me a reader's digest version? Like, i know that cocaine interupts neurons, but i have no idea if / how it effects the pre or post-synaptics neurons. I just want to get a better general understanding of this. thanx
 
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Also, what is it that actually makes cocaine addictive? Is there a known chemical, or is it just the desire to reach euphoria?
 

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