Final answer:
Cocaine produces a rush of euphoria by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, leading to increased levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain. This process is responsible for the intense pleasure and addictive nature of cocaine.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Cocaine Produces Euphoria
When cocaine is snorted, free-based, or injected, it produces a rush of euphoria primarily by blocking the reuptake of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the pleasure and reward pathways of the brain. By inhibiting the dopamine reuptake, cocaine causes an accumulation of dopamine in the synaptic cleft, leading to increased stimulation of dopamine receptors and the experience of intense pleasure.
The heightened levels of dopamine are responsible for the characteristic high associated with cocaine use, as well as its addictive properties. After the effects of cocaine lessen, the brain experiences a significant drop in dopamine levels, often resulting in a craving for more of the drug to regain the pleasurable sensations.