Buckeye Cocaine Abuse - Cocaine Use Causes Long-Term Depression

Buckeye Cocaine Abuse - A new study by a Stanford University professor suggests that cocaine addiction causes long-term depression in certain areas of the brain.

The study found that the administration of cocaine caused long-lasting depression in the nucleus accumbens of the brain. The nucleus accumbens is known as the brain's "pleasure center."

This area of the brain is thought to play a central role in signaling good feelings and rewards. In former cocaine users, this region showed decreased synaptic transmission, or poor functioning.

The lasting damage cocaine apparently does to the nucleus accumbens may help explain the phenomenon of addiction. When recovering users experience this depression, they may relapse and initiate the cycle of addiction once again.