Have scientists found the addiction gene?

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by Change | 2 Sep 2009

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Scientists are reported to have identified a gene responsible for drug and alcohol dependency in some groups of people.

A team, led by Dr Heping Zhang of Yale School of Public Health, produced the study, which endeavored to determine why some people are more likely than others to engage in alcohol and substance abuse.

According to the researchers, certain gene activity patterns are commonly found among those who have at least two kinds of addiction including nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and opiates.

During the study, the scientists collected genetic data from more than 3,000 people and discovered a link between addiction and the PKNOX2 gene in women with European ancestry.

Women with the mutated gene are said to be more than twice as likely to become substance abusers than those without the variant.

The gene had been linked to alcohol dependency in earlier research using mice but this study is the first time its significance has been noticed in humans.

However, no such connection was found among men or those of black or Asian descent.

Prompted by the findings, the study's authors highlight the need for a holistic approach to substance abuse, rather than focusing on a single addiction.

In other news that may be of interest to those working in drug treatment services, last week saw experts in Northern Ireland warn addiction problems are much worse than official figures currently suggest.

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