Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that strongly affects brain function by altering the dopamine system. This project examines both the short- and long-term neurological effects of cocaine, focusing on molecular, cellular, and brain-wide changes. Short-term use increases dopamine in the synapse, causing intense euphoria, heightened alertness, and impaired decision-making. Repeated use leads to long-term changes, including fewer dopamine receptors, structural changes in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and reduced synaptic plasticity, which contribute to addiction, cognitive problems, and emotional instability. Drawing on neuroimaging, behavioral studies, and molecular research, this project highlights how cocaine progressively reshapes brain circuits. Understanding these effects is key to developing better interventions and treatments for addiction, showing how brain chemistry, structure, and behavior are deeply connected.
Research Highlights
The Problem: Cocaine abuse disrupts the nervous system by blocking dopamine reuptake, leading to neurotoxicity and long-term structural changes in the brain.
The Method: This research poster synthesizes neuroimaging evidence and clinical studies to analyze the biological mechanisms of addiction and the short-term versus long-term effects of cocaine on the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex.
Qualitative Finding: Short-term cocaine use produces euphoria and high alertness; long-term use results in reduced synaptic plasticity, fewer dopamine receptors, and impaired decision-making; addiction conditions individuals to environmental cues that increase drug desire.
Recommended Citation
DeLisle, Addison, "Dopamine, Addiction, and Cocaine" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 17.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/Posters/1/17
Included in
Dopamine, Addiction, and Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that strongly affects brain function by altering the dopamine system. This project examines both the short- and long-term neurological effects of cocaine, focusing on molecular, cellular, and brain-wide changes. Short-term use increases dopamine in the synapse, causing intense euphoria, heightened alertness, and impaired decision-making. Repeated use leads to long-term changes, including fewer dopamine receptors, structural changes in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and reduced synaptic plasticity, which contribute to addiction, cognitive problems, and emotional instability. Drawing on neuroimaging, behavioral studies, and molecular research, this project highlights how cocaine progressively reshapes brain circuits. Understanding these effects is key to developing better interventions and treatments for addiction, showing how brain chemistry, structure, and behavior are deeply connected.