Dopamine
On a biochemical level, cocaine blocks the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical) released by nerve cells in the body to transmit information from one neuron to another. Dopamine performs various important roles in the brain and body. Cocaine, which is a drug of abuse, blocks the reabsorption of dopamine. Cocaine acts by binding to the dopamine transporter, and stops the removal of dopamine from the synapse. Dopamine then increase in the synapse to form an amplified signal to the receiving nerve cells. This result in euphoria (feeling of intense excitement) experienced immediately after administering the drug.
