Drugs that boost dopamine can also boost impulsive behavior. A cocaine addict once said, “When I do a line of cocaine, I feel like a new man. And the first thing that new man wants is another line of cocaine.” When the addict stimulates his dopamine system, his dopamine system responds by demanding more stimulation. That’s why most cocaine addicts smoke cigarettes when they use cocaine. Like cocaine, nicotine stimulates additional dopamine release, but it’s cheaper and easier to get.
