Dopamine is newer transmitters that plays a major role in reward motivated behavior,

motor control, and several other functions. It's a natural part of our brain's functioning and

in healthy doses it can motivate us to achieve our goals and experience pleasure. However,

when we become overly dependent on activities or substances

that release dopamine, there can be downsides. And I'm going to talk about some

of them. Welcome back to talk about some of them.

Welcome back to savvy psychologist.

I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face slash challenges

with evidence-based approaches, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

While dopamine plays an integral role in several positive and essential physiological processes, an over-reliance or misuse

can lead to significant drawbacks. Dopamine, a prominent neurotransmitter in

the brain, is often colloquially referred to as the feel-good

chemical. Its role in regulating mood, motivation, and reward is crucial for our survival. It signals pleasure and satisfaction, creating

a sense of well-being and pleasure. It is released during pleasurable situations, stimulating us to seek out the pleasurable

activity or occupation, ensuring the perpetuation of life-sustaining activities like eating and

procreation.

However, like many like eating and procreation.

However, like many biological systems, an imbalance,

especially in over-dependence on dopamine-releasing activities or substances,

can have detrimental effects.

The first downside we will discuss is desensitization.

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