Addiction vs. Performance

Drug addicts and high-achievers have strikingly similar brains.

The reason why is that the same neurological pathways that lead to success are the ones that lead to depression, suicide, and addiction.

I’ve seen this firsthand through my research with the DNA Company and working closely with numerous celebrities, CEOs, and high-performers.

Let’s discuss science behind this paradox.

The molecule responsible for the behavior of drug-addicts and high achievers is dopamine.

Dopamine is a brain chemical that makes you feel pleasure, reward, craving, and motivation.

It’s responsible for that feeling of WOW when you bite into a pizza, or the feeling of reward after a hard workout.

How your brain handles dopamine is controlled by the DRD2, MAO, and COMT genes.

The DRD2 Gene - How Much You Feel Pleasure

DRD2 determines how many dopamine receptors you have in your brain.

The moment a dopamine molecule binds to the receptor is the moment you feel pleasure or reward.

If you have more dopamine receptors you will feel more pleasure or reward for the same thing. If you have less, you won’t feel the pleasure or reward as deeply.

Individuals with the GG variant have a high density of dopamine receptors, making them more sensitive to pleasure and reward.

Those with the AA variant are the exact opposite. They don’t feel pleasure or reward much, if at all.

Because of this, they’re more likely to seek out more activities that give them that feeling.

The MAO and COMT Genes - How Long You Feel Pleasure

These genes control the clearance of dopamine.

This affects how long the pleasure lasts.

People with the GG version of the MAO and COMT genes have an extremely fast breakdown of dopamine.

This results in a short-lasting and fleeting sense of happiness.

With the TT version of the MAO gene and the AA version of the COMT gene, dopamine is cleared very slowly.

Individuals with these genes experience lingering feelings of pleasure from things they enjoy.

So what do drug addicts and high-achievers have in common?

Low density of dopamine receptors (AA of DRD2) and ultra-fast clearance of dopamine (GG of MAO and COMT).

This means they experience pleasure with little intensity and in short bursts.

This has two implications:

• They can’t get satisfaction from anything, making them susceptible to depression.

• When they find something that does give them the satisfaction they’re craving, they get extremely addicted (this could be drugs, alcohol, productivity, or achievement).

I have this exact genetic profile, and many of my family members do, too. I’ve experienced these symptoms firsthand.

Which is why…

I’m hosting a free Masterclass this evening, at 7pm EST, to tell you my story.

I’ll tell you how I channeled my addictive tendencies into positive activities, such as entrepreneurship and productivity. And how I healed my family’s health, taking them from addiction and alcoholism to sobriety and optimal health…

Simply by understanding their DNA.

By the end of this masterclass, you’ll have a thorough understanding of genetics.

You’ll know how they function within the body, how they shape you as a person, and how to use them to your advantage. You’ll be able to understand the people around you much better and teach them a little bit about genetics.

Click the button below to sign up:

Until next time,

Kashif Khan

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular healthcare provider.