Addictive drugs, such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and amphetamines, share a common effect on the brain. What is that effect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Addictive drugs all activate dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which leads to a surge of dopamine. This increase in dopamine is what creates feelings of pleasure and reward, which can make the brain crave more of the drug.

Note: While some drugs may also activate endorphin-producing neurons or increase the number of dopamine receptors, these are not universal effects across all addictive drugs.

Addictive Drugs, Such as Alcohol, Cocaine, Heroin, Nicotine, and Amphetamines