Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to feel pleasure as part of the brain reward system. It is one of the four feel good hormones (Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin). Sex, shopping, and smelling cookies baking in the oven can trigger dopamine release (“dopamine rush”). Dopamine is involved with reinforcement. That is why, once you try one cookie from the oven, you might come back for another one consistently. Dopamine is also involved in the intense feeling of reward people feel when they take drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, which would lead to addiction.
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