Which of the following is a characteristic of cocaine?

The correct answer highlights one of the most notable effects of cocaine, which is the intense euphoria that users experience shortly after consumption. Cocaine functions by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain's reward circuits, leading to feelings of heightened pleasure and well-being. This intense euphoria is a significant reason for its high potential for dependency and misuse.

Understanding that cocaine is classified as a psychoactive stimulant is essential, as it informs about the drug's impact on the central nervous system, rather than considering it a depressant or deriving it from opium, which is inaccurate. While it produces other effects such as increased energy and alertness, it is that immediate sense of euphoria that is particularly characteristic and compelling for users.