Dopamine is more of a Neuromodulator (different than a neurotransmitter) – it influences the communication of many neurons at once. Dopamine release in the brain can be local or broad.  Neurons that release dopamine also release glutamate, improving pleasure, motivation, excitement, and reward. Dopamine is not just about pleasure: it’s the universal currency of foraging and seeking things that will provide sustenance and pleasure in the short term and extend life in the long term.  Dopamine causes us to crave and pursue things outside of ourselves.