#Note/Permanent #Neuroscience/Dopamine #Psychology/Motivation Dopamine is commonly recognized as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, integral to our motivation, focus, and decision-making processes. >[!Dopamine's Role in Motivation and Behavior] >[Dopamine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine) signals the perceived motivational prominence (i.e., the desirability or aversiveness) of an outcome, which in turn propels the organism's behavior toward or away from achieving that outcome. It operates on a fluctuating scale, with a baseline that signifies our normal state. Stimuli that we perceive as rewarding, such as achievements or positive social feedback, can elevate dopamine levels. This elevation varies with the stimulus: chocolate consumption may boost dopamine by 50%, sexual activity by 100%, and substances like nicotine and cocaine can cause surges of 250% and 1,000%, respectively. These figures illustrate dopamine's potent influence on our sense of pleasure and reward.