Why Cocaine Becomes Addictive

Why cocaine becomes addictive

Psychotropic drugs Drugs that alter neurotransmission in the brain

What is the Neurotransmitters? A molecule that transmit a message inside the neuron

Types of neurotransmitters: • enhance monoamine activity • inhibition of presynaptic monoamine transporters • Dopamine – reward, psychosis • Sertonin – mood elevation, psychosis • Norephinephrine – physiological arousal

Mechanisms of Action • All stimulants enhance monoamine activity Inhibition of presynaptic monoamine transporters • Dopamine – reward, psychosis • Norephinephrine – physiological arousal • Sertonin – mood elevation, psychosis

Dopamine • found in brain • reuptake inhibitor • control movement & sensation of pleasure

Serotonin

• found in lower part of brain • reuptake inhibitor • regulate mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, cognitive functions (memory and learning)

Stop abusing cocaine Major effects that cause a cocaine abuser : • severe headache • loss of consciousness • stroke • hyperthermia • coma • loss of vital support functions (e.g low blood pressure, slow heart rate, slow respirations)

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