– Nicotine is a tropane alkaloid, it has the ability to release dopamine in the reward pathways of the brain, why does it not produce consistent euphoria like cocaine; alkaloid or speed: amphetamine?

Question

EDIT – Something I forgot to mention which may add context is that after a period of abstinence I feel a sharp euphoric wave of dopamine which goes away within less than a few minutes and results in dysphoria, even with redosing.

Unlike cocaine, which I’m comparing since both are alkaloids, it seems to build a very unusually fast tolerance and any positive effects dissipate, unlike the latter.

In: 3379

Answer 1

Relative strength.

Nicotine’s impact on dopamine production in the brain is actually very mild. Euphoric states like we see with cocaine and amphetamine use are the results of considerably stronger chemical interactions in the brain – nicotine remains incredibly addictive though because a mild and consistent “high” still becomes incredibly difficult for the user to give up.

More to the point, the reward from smoking is often amplified by other activities and triggers – alcohol, caffiene, etc. all interact with nicotine and can reinforce dependence on the substance.

Nicotine’s addictive quality can’t be overstated but it actually isn’t a very strong drug – cocaine and amphetamines aren’t really comparable in regards to their impact on the brain.