Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction A Reprint from "Science and Practice Perspectives"

Cocaine produces its psychoactive & addictive effects primarily by acting on the brain¿s limbic system, a set of interconnected regions that regulate pleasure & motivation. An initial, short-term effect -- a buildup of the neurochemical dopamine -- gives rise to euphoria & a desire to take the drug again. Researchers are seeking to understand how cocaine¿s many longer term effects produce addiction¿s persistent cravings & risk of relapse. This paper focuses on the buildup of the genetic transcription factor DeltaFosB in the limbic system which correlate with addiction-like behaviors in mice & may precipitate very long-lasting changes to nerve cell structure. This is one of the first steps toward an understanding of the transition from cocaine abuse to addiction.