The Effects of Cocaine on Behavior Research Paper

The Effects of Cocaine on Behavior - Research Paper Example Scientific studies have discovered that the cause of this euphoria is due to the prevention of a neurotransmitter known as serotonin from being reabsorbed by the neuron that released it, known as the presynaptic neuron. The way that cocaine works is that it stops the reuptake of a number of neurotransmitters, for example, epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing them to stay in the individuals synapses for a longer period of time and exciting the sympathetic nervous system in the process (Yaffe, Briggs & Freeman, 2008). The excitement of the sympathetic nervous system brings about a stress response which results in the euphoria that is experienced by the individual. Though the euphoria that is experienced by the user may be enjoyable during that moment in time, the end results are in no way healthy for the individual, and the temporary pleasure that is experienced is not worth the long term effects that the person risks suffering (Doweiko, 2008).There are numerous effects that the use of cocaine has on an individual, and these effects can be classified into two categories, namely immediate and long term effects. Immediate effects refer to the reactions that occur right after one uses the drugs while the long term effects refer the responses that a person may have further down the line as a result of using the drug for a lengthy period of time (Yaffe, Briggs & Freeman, 2008). Both effects (immediate and long term) influence the behavior of the user, and differences can be seen in their actions and personality.