The dopamine system is associated with desire and functions as a general motivator.

“So not surprisingly the dopamine system in the brain is associated with desire, love, and attachment, and mainly with desire, although to some extent, love. Dopamine is a neurochemical sometimes associated with reward. But as some of you have heard me say before, it is mainly a molecule of motivation, craving and pursuit. And that motivation, craving and pursuit that relates to dopamine is not unique to attachment, or love, or sex, or mating, et cetera. It is a universal generic currency in the brain for pursuing something.”