Apache Junction Cocaine Abuse - Brain Perceives Cocaine as Reward

Apache Junction Cocaine Abuse - A study conducted by the Montreal Neurological Institute has confirmed a link between cocaine use and the brain's reward circuits. The risk of addiction was also associated with the reward mechanisms of the brain.

The study showed that snorting cocaine resulted in large levels of dopamine in an area of the brain called the striatum. Dopamine plays a pivotal role in the brain's reaction to reward and addictive chemicals.

Researchers measured the dopamine levels of research subjects by performing PET scans. The brains of the participants were scanned before and after they sniffed cocaine.

Interestingly, the subjects who had had more exposure to cocaine in the past showed a stronger response to the drug upon inhalation. Researchers hypothesize that this learned response plays a role in the development of addiction.