Kenneth Blum, PhD is a renowned neuroscientist and a pivotal figure in addiction research, known for his extensive study of dopamine’s impact on behavior. Holding a PhD in Neuropharmacology from New York Medical College, he has published over 700 peer-reviewed articles and 17 books, establishing himself as a trailblazer in psychiatric genetics and nutrigenomics.

I ask Ken to explain how dopamine drives our behavior, from addiction to everyday choices. He breaks down his concept of reward deficiency syndrome, where low dopamine function can lead to cravings, anxiety, or mental health challenges, and shares insights from his genetic addiction risk severity test (GARS). We explore how epigenetics—our environment and lifestyle—can shape dopamine expression, offering hope for managing genetic predispositions. Ken also critiques the exploitation of dopamine by social media and pharmaceuticals, urging a focus on balance.

This conversation is a deep dive into the brain’s reward system for anyone wondering how dopamine shapes who we are.