In my 2-Minute Neuroscience videos I explain neuroscience topics in 2 minutes or less. In this video, I discuss the effects of cocaine on the brain. I describe cocaine's primary mechanism of action, which involves inhibition of the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. I also discuss the mesocorticolimbic dopamine pathway, which connects the ventral tegmental area with the nucleus accumbens, and is activated when someone uses cocaine.