Effort Enhances Reward: Balance Dopamine and Pain

Dopamine is not inherently negative but requires effort to attain for optimal function. Easy rewards lead to erratic dopamine spikes and subsequent drops, creating a cycle of seeking greater stimulation to achieve prior satisfaction. This phenomenon often results in increased cravings throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon. Furthermore, the dopamine system is closely tied to the pain system, as pleasurable experiences trigger a desire for more, evidenced in everyday cravings like for chocolate or in extreme cases such as substance abuse.