Psychoactive drugs produce their effects primarily by acting on brain neurotransmitters. Explain this process, using cocaine as an example.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are used by neurons
in the brain to communicate with each other. Instead of using a neurotransmitter only
once, neurons have a method of recycling them to save on the resources used. There are
chemicals located on the surface of all neurons that allow them to recollect the
neurotransmitters floating outside and bring them into the neuron again to be used
later. The presence of these neurotransmitters within the neurons is responsible for the
feeling of pleasure and pain.

Psychoactive drugs stop the
neurotransmitters from being taken in by the neurons again once they have served their
purpose. Cocaine is known to act on three neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine. Chemicals in cocaine block the proteins located on the neurons from
taking in these neurotransmitters again after they have served their
purpose.

This results in the feeling of immense happiness
or euphoria which is the primary reason why cocaine is consumed.