Understanding the role of dopamine in the brain

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that bridges the gap between neurons in our brain, allowing for fine-tuned control of electrical circuits. It is involved in pleasure, reward, motivation, and movement. The abundance and accessibility of rewarding stimuli in our modern world have complicated our relationship with dopamine. The podcast explores how the progressive increase in the availability and potency of drugs, from tobacco to video games, has led to an addiction epidemic. It also highlights the importance of understanding the pleasure-pain balance and the three rules that govern it: maintaining balance, increasing pain after pleasure, and the gremlins that never entirely dissipate.