Addiction is a complex medical disorder that manifests in continuous and compulsive use of alcohol or drugs, despite the negative consequences it can have on a person’s health and well-being. It is one of the most common diseases in the United States, affecting an estimated one out of seven Americans at some point in their lives. The Interesting Info about Addiction.
Genetics can contribute to your risk of addiction, but many factors play a role in this process. For example, your lifestyle and environment may increase or decrease your chances of becoming addicted to a substance. And if you have a family history of substance abuse, that may also impact your risk for addiction.
In some cases, people susceptible to addiction develop it at a young age and can continue to use substances long into adulthood. However, a person who begins developing a habit after 18 can still seek treatment and help.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a family’s genetic makeup can influence a child’s vulnerability to addiction. This is because family members share a genetic code that the parents’ addiction can alter. The resulting changes can be passed down to their children.
Researchers have been working to find the genes responsible for the development of addiction. The goal is to identify genetic variants that can make someone more susceptible to becoming an addict. Then, they can be combined with other therapies to help reduce a person’s risk for substance abuse.
Clemson University scientists are looking to answer these questions using Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly. Their research could help explain why some people become addicted to cocaine or methamphetamine while others don’t.
GWAS, or genome-wide association studies, have shown that some genetic variants can increase your risk of developing an addiction, but the exact causes aren’t fully understood yet.
The role of DNA in addiction is much more complex than it was just a few years ago when researchers were trying to find a single gene that would predict whether or not a person would become an addict. This is because a person’s DNA can change as they grow older, which could affect their future addiction risk.
Epigenetics is another critical factor in understanding the role of genetics in addiction. Epigenetics describes how the chemical signals in your body change due to various environmental factors and other influences.
This can affect how your brain and nerves work. It can also impact your ability to fight off infection or heal.
Your genetics can also impact your mood, and if you’re depressed, that can lead to an increased likelihood of becoming an addict. This is why it’s critical to talk to your doctor about your genetic background and a treatment plan if you suspect you have an addiction.