These substances as a group are called neurotransmitters. Together with other body mechanisms, these neurotransmitters direct such functions as appetite, attention and blood pressure. Almost all drugs that affect the brain work by changing the level or activity of these neurotransmitters. Cocaine in the brain changes the concentrations and movement of neurotransmitters in a substantial way. As the brain neurotransmitters are changed, so are the person s feelings changed.
Cocaine can lead to feelings of euphoria.
Here s how the whole process works biologically. The result disrupts the body s normal function and, initially, creates a highly stimulated condition followed, frequently, by a highly depressed state. In this linked Quick-time animation created by Professor Gayle Gross de Nunez, we initially see normal body activity. The result produces increased stimulation of the central nervous system, the heart muscle and the vascular smooth muscle. These changes can adversely affect a person s heart.