Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2021 15:41:35 GMT
Hi there,
I have received a lot of queries about how cocaine actually produces a "high". So thought I would write it up here
When snorted cocaine enters the bloodstream through the capillaries in the nasal tissue. Cocaine then travels through the bloodstream towards the brain. Cocaine then exerts its effects by increasing the amount of dopamine (a chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and pleasure) in the brain.
The above image represent exactly how cocaine increases dopamine levels. The transmitting neuron is releasing dopamine. When this chemical is received by the receiving neuron, it results in a pleasurable, euphoric, energetic feeling. This happens all the time, even without cocaine present – it is the brain’s way of rewarding and encouraging essential behaviours. Dopamine is therefore often released is response to behaviours important for survival or reproduction, such as eating or sex. Usually, excess dopamine that is released by the transmitting neuron but does not enter into the receiving neuron, is taken away by “reuptake sites” or “transporter sites”. This prevents a buildup of excess dopamine in this area.
Cocaine, however, interrupts this normal process. Cocaine fits into the dopamine transporter/reuptake sites, blocking anything from entering these sites. This prevents excess dopamine from being cleared. This leads to a build up of dopamine in the space between transmitting and receiving neurons. With no where else to go, this excess dopamine is forced towards the receiving neuron. This leads to the neuron being stimulated by a lot more dopamine than it usually would be, creating a much greater euphoric, pleasurable, rewarding effect.
This is a similar process to how some antidepressants work – SSRI’s such as Sertraline, for example, work by blocking the reuptake sites for serotonin (another feel good chemical) in the brain, in order to elevate levels of serotonin.
Thanks and as always, any questions please ask - and also feel free to expand further on my explanation
Admin
I have received a lot of queries about how cocaine actually produces a "high". So thought I would write it up here
When snorted cocaine enters the bloodstream through the capillaries in the nasal tissue. Cocaine then travels through the bloodstream towards the brain. Cocaine then exerts its effects by increasing the amount of dopamine (a chemical that causes feelings of euphoria and pleasure) in the brain.
The above image represent exactly how cocaine increases dopamine levels. The transmitting neuron is releasing dopamine. When this chemical is received by the receiving neuron, it results in a pleasurable, euphoric, energetic feeling. This happens all the time, even without cocaine present – it is the brain’s way of rewarding and encouraging essential behaviours. Dopamine is therefore often released is response to behaviours important for survival or reproduction, such as eating or sex. Usually, excess dopamine that is released by the transmitting neuron but does not enter into the receiving neuron, is taken away by “reuptake sites” or “transporter sites”. This prevents a buildup of excess dopamine in this area.
Cocaine, however, interrupts this normal process. Cocaine fits into the dopamine transporter/reuptake sites, blocking anything from entering these sites. This prevents excess dopamine from being cleared. This leads to a build up of dopamine in the space between transmitting and receiving neurons. With no where else to go, this excess dopamine is forced towards the receiving neuron. This leads to the neuron being stimulated by a lot more dopamine than it usually would be, creating a much greater euphoric, pleasurable, rewarding effect.
This is a similar process to how some antidepressants work – SSRI’s such as Sertraline, for example, work by blocking the reuptake sites for serotonin (another feel good chemical) in the brain, in order to elevate levels of serotonin.
Thanks and as always, any questions please ask - and also feel free to expand further on my explanation
Admin
Attachments:
