Is Addiction in Your Genes?

 Psychology  

Science is increasingly showing that addiction, in its various forms, has a probable strong genetic underpinning. With each discovery, researchers get closer to finding a biological cause for addictive behavior.

Coffee, tanning, alcohol or even the internet – are you obsessed with any of them? As it turns out, genetics may be responsible for your propensity toward one vice or the other. Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health recently discovered that individuals presenting with variants of PTCHD2 – patched domain containing 2, a protein-coding gene – were approximately 66 percent less likely to exhibit signs of tanning addiction. Published in the online journal Experimental Dermatology, the findings put researchers a step closer to finding a biological cause for addictive behavior.

Tanning Tied to Genetic Variants

Related articles Coffee's Incredible Health Benefits  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Technology May Be Possible  Common Gene Between Cancer and Aging Identified

The study still needs to be replicated, but if the statistics aren’t lying the results hold promise for the future. Motivated by the growing health problems associated with frequent tanning, Yale researchers analyzed genetic data for 292 participants and reviewed more than 300,000 genetic variants before pinpointing PTCHD2 as a potential culprit. A senior research scientist, Brenda Cartmel, expressed excitement at the results’ potential to influence future interventions, which could reduce the prevalence of skin cancer.

Genes Linked to Substance Abuse 

Though tanning seems harmless, it mimics substance abuse in that individuals are not able to control their behaviors despite being warned of the consequences. Addiction to alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and illicit substances has been linked to gene variants. Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry at London’s Kings College confirm links between addictive behaviors and certain gene variants, like CHRNA5 and ADH1B. Thus far, the following substances have been traced to a genetic component:

• Caffeine. In 2014, Harvard School of Public Health reported a link between the effects of caffeine and two genetic variants, POR and ABCG2. Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the findings provide insight into the genetic basis of caffeine addiction. 

• Alcohol. Genetic variants ADH and ALDH, believed to play a role in the metabolism of alcohol, were linked to alcohol abuse disorders, according to a 2008 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology. 

• Cocaine. In addition to dopamine receptors, genetic variants like ΔFosB and CAMK4 have been linked to cocaine addiction, according to a 2005 study published in Science & Practice Perspectives.

• Tobacco. A study published in Human Molecular Genetics found that individuals with CHRNB3, a nicotinic receptor gene, were twice as likely to become addicted to tobacco once exposed. 

The University of Utah’s online Genetic Science Learning Center notes that multiple variants play a role in addiction, but the presence or absence of a gene variant doesn’t itself predict addictive behaviors. Rather, a combination of factors, from economic status to trauma, is involved.

Combating Addiction With Science

Until scientists uncover more information about genetic variants and their relationship to addiction, it’s unclear how gene mapping can be used to curb the prevalence of addiction. Proposed uses of genetic markers for addiction include prescreening tests to determine risk level or to adjust treatment plans based on personalized data. Given the treatment options for those with addiction – namely medication, counseling or inpatient care – using genetic data to enhance recovery outcomes may be the solution to a growing international addiction problem. However, convincing national health care systems and private practitioners to get on board with genetic medicine may be another challenge entirely.

By Kate Wilson

Embed