What effect does prolonged cocaine use have on dopamine levels?

Prolonged cocaine use leads to a depletion of dopamine. Cocaine works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the brain, allowing it to accumulate in the synaptic cleft and therefore enhancing its signaling and effects. Over time, with continued use, the brain's natural production of dopamine can be altered. It becomes accustomed to the elevated levels caused by cocaine, and as a result, the overall availability and production of dopamine can become reduced when cocaine is not present. This can lead to a state where the individual feels less pleasure and motivation, often described as anhedonia, because the brain's normal dopamine function has been disrupted and diminished.

The other choices do not accurately capture the impact of prolonged cocaine use on dopamine. While cocaine may initially increase dopamine levels, the long-term implications of sustained use lead to a depletion of dopamine, making the correct choice that prolonged use depletes dopamine levels.