Damaging effects of Cocaine on the Brain

Another scientific study carried out with the help of PET, made by scientists from the Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the USA, has shown compelling evidences that cocaine addiction is directly related to the increase of the number of receptors to opioid substances (such as morphin and heroin) in the brain of addicted persons. These receptors exist naturally, because our brain synthesizes substances called endorphins, which seem to be neurotransmitters, too.

The higher the intensity of addiction, the larger is the number of these receptors Another scientific study carried out with the help of PET, made by scientists from the Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the USA, has shown compelling evidences that cocaine addiction is directily related to the increase of the number of receptors to opioid substances (such as morphin and heroin) in the brain of addicted persons. These receptors exist naturally, because our brain synthesizes substances called endorphins, which seem to be neurotransmitters, too. The higher the intensity of addiction, the larger is the number of these receptors.

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Cocaine in the brain - In the normal communication process, dopamine is released by a neuron into the synapse, where it can bind with dopamine receptors on neighboring neurons.

Normally dopamine is then recycled back into the transmitting neuron by a specialized protein called the dopamine transporter. If cocaine is present, it attaches to the dopamine transporter and blocks the normal recycling process, resulting in a build-up of dopamine in the synapse which contributes to the pleasurable effects of cocaine.

Difference ... a normal brain, left, and a cocaine user

Cocaine triggers a massive surge in blood pressure, causing the blood vessels to tighten and the heart to work much harder. Repeated tightening of the vessels causes lots of micro strokes & microscopic injuries that may not have an obvious immediate effect, but build to long-term damage.