Is Addiction wired to our Genes?

Is Addiction wired into our Genes?

According to the Genetics of Addiction, provided by Addiction and Recovery.org, “addiction is due 50 percent to genetic predisposition and 50 percent to poor coping skills.” In one study comparing the likelihood of becoming addicted between identical and non-identical twins, the study shows if one identical twin was addicted to alcohol, the other has a higher chance of becoming addicted as well; however, one non-identical twin was addicted to alcohol, the other twin does not show increased probability of addiction. Three similar papers based on studies of more than 140,000 people have been published online in the journal Nature Genetics. "These variances in the sequence that we have discovered do not have impact on whether you begin to smoke or not," Lead author Kari Stefansson said.


In human population, only 1% of the genes are different from person to person. Researchers identified 11 chromosomes as the probable locations of genes prone to drug abuse and alcohol addiction. Dr. George Uhl and colleagues at NIDA's Intramural Research Program (IRP) in Baltimore, Maryland identified 89 genes to drug abuse and dependence. We have gene variations between drug addicts and non-addicts; however, their research is inconclusive, and there is no clear indication of a certain gene causing a person to become addictive.We all has the genetic predisposition for addiction because there is an evolutionary advantage to that. Some people have certain genes which are more prone to alcohol abuse, cigarette or drugs, but those people are not necessarily addicts. People who have good coping skills and self-control understand the damages of addictions and can stay away from harmful substances. On the other hand, even though some people start with a low genetic predisposition for addiction, repeated moderate use of substances can permanently rewire their brain and make them prone to addiction. Study shows children of alcoholic parents are eight times more likely to become addicted alcohol themselves, but it’s not clear whether it’s due to genetic predisposition or simply environmental effects.


All three articles conclude genes do not necessarily result in addiction. The two on smoking suggest certain genes might increase the change of becoming addicted; the article about drug abuse suggest there are unknown varations between drug-addicts and non-addicts, but the effects are unknown. So it goes back to the beginning, genetic factors only contribute partially to addiction, there are many other factors, such as environmental, family history, life style, and copping skills, etc. I would say we do not have to get ourselves tested for those addiction genes, if we don’t want to become an addict, stay away from alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes in the first place.


links:


The Genetics of Addiction
http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/is-addiction-a-disease.htm


Can't quit smoking? Blame your genes
By Ashley Hall
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/26/2882621.htm

Addiction – Blame It on Genes
http://www.ygoy.com/index.php/addiction-blame-it-on-genes/