Many people including myself have confused with pleasure and happiness because both feel good. I heard this and it made me stop and think.
Pleasure is fueled by dopamine and can give rise to addiction; happiness is linked to serotonin.
Serotonin is a chemical that affects body functions such as regulate moods, digestion, and sleep.
Serotonin is associated with happiness, focus and calmness. This feels good, I don’t want or need any more.
In the presence of chronic stress and less serotonin leads to depression.
Happiness is long term. Happiness is giving. Happiness is achieved in a social group. Happiness cannot be achieved by substances. Contentment and Happiness goes together. Happiness is serotonin.
Dopamine is a chemical that causes you to want, desire, seek out and search pleasure.
Dopamine is associated with rewards and motivation. This feels good, I want more.
In the presence of chronic stress, I do not care what happens in the future, I need my reward now.
Pleasure is short term. Pleasure is taking. Pleasure is achieved alone. Pleasure is achieved with substances like food, drugs and alcohol or behavior like internet, social media, gaming, pornographic, sex, gambling, pornography… Reward and pleasure go together. Pleasure is dopamine.
Reward and contentment are not the same.
The more dopamine you seek, the less happy you become.