Date of Defense

12-6-2000

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa Baker

Second Advisor

Amy Goodwin

Third Advisor

Adam Prus

Abstract

Cocaine abuse has become a serious problem in our society in recent years. Long-term use of psychostimulant drugs such as cocaine presents multiple health risks such as cardiovascular toxicity, and an increased risk of psychotic episodes (Parson, Justice, 1993). The psychotic effects of long-term use could be due to the development of sensitization, which is an enhanced response to a drug following repeated intermittent drug exposure. Behavioral and neurochemical mechanisms of sensitization are an important focus of research on the consequences of repeated exposure to drugs that act on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Psychostimulants alter CNS activity primarily through their actions on monoaminergic (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine) systems.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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