Cocaines long term impact

Cocaine has significant long-term effects on the brain, primarily through its impact on the dopaminergic system. Andrew Huberman explains that cocaine causes rapid and dramatic increases in dopamine levels, leading to feelings of euphoria and heightened alertness. However, this is followed by a substantial drop in dopamine below baseline, which can lead to a cycle of addiction characterized by cravings and pursuit of the drug to regain those dopamine peaks 1 2.

Over time, the ability of cocaine to spike dopamine levels diminishes, as the peaks become progressively lower and the troughs deeper. This shift results in a system that is increasingly oriented towards seeking the drug, often at the expense of other rewarding or fulfilling activities that take longer to achieve 2.

Furthermore, the high peaks in dopamine from cocaine use can limit neuroplasticity, meaning the brain's capacity to change and learn is compromised. This impairment is long-lasting and can affect one's ability to adapt and improve cognitively, making recovery and life improvement more challenging even after stopping use 1.