What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the euphoria experienced during substance use in the binge/intoxication phase?

The neurotransmitter primarily involved in the euphoria experienced during substance use in the binge/intoxication phase is dopamine. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system, which is activated during pleasurable activities, including the consumption of certain substances. When drugs are used, they can significantly increase dopamine levels in areas of the brain such as the nucleus accumbens, leading to feelings of intense pleasure and euphoria.

This surge in dopamine is a key factor in the development of addictive behaviors, as the brain starts to associate substance use with these rewarding feelings, reinforcing the desire to continue using the substance. While other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and GABA are involved in various aspects of mood regulation and anxiety, they do not play as direct a role in the euphoria associated with the binge/intoxication phase as dopamine does. Therefore, the connection between dopamine release and the experience of euphoria is foundational to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction.