Question

How is dopamine related to "pleasure seeking behavior"?

Answer 1

The function of dopamine may be “turned down” due to genetic reasons so the person seeks things that are more extreme or intense so they can feel a “buzz”.. they simply seek more cuz they don’t feel it pleasures them enough as to it would another person.

For example someone that can get drunk wit 3 shots vs someones who dopamine receptors may be blunted needs 6 shots... so basically there is something biochemically that makes us crave pleasure more.

Answer 2

The dopamine motivates us, increasing our energy and drive and compelling us to engage in the pleasurable activity. If everything is as nice as the brain predicted, dopamine levels remain elevated. If things turn out even better than the brain hoped, dopamine levels are increased; we engage in the pleasurable activity even more vigorously. If, on the other hand, the activity is less pleasurable than we thought it would be, dopamine levels plummet.