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How do drugs affect the brain?
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Cocaine causes feelings of happiness and agitation

Cocaine allows dopamine to build up in the synaptic spaces between neurons, affecting the brain's reward pathway.
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The Argument

Cocaine interferes with the brain's signalling processes by blocking the removal of neurotransmitters from synapses. In particular, cocaine binds with transport molecules responsible for the uptake of dopamine, causing dopamine to accumulate within the synapses. Because the presence of dopamine is integral to the brain's reward system, the buildup of dopamine amplifies reward signals, stimulating a feeling of euphoria. Over time, cocaine can lead to abnormalities in the cortex region of the brain, and is associated with impairments to cognition, motor function, and reaction time. Dependency on cocaine can develop from long-term use and depression is common if usage is stopped.

Counter arguments

Premises

[P1] Cocaine builds up dopamine levels to give feelings of euphoria.

Rejecting the premises

References

This page was last edited on Thursday, 5 Mar 2020 at 17:06 UTC

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