The Science of Addiction

The number of drug users in the United States today is over 15 million according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This astonishing statistic grows daily along with the amounts of drugs that are used. The lost path of the users at one point matched the lost path of the scientists looking for answers about addiction. Within the past decade, studies have increased in finding specific genetic information in regards to drug addiction. There are currently 11 chromosomes that have connections to substance addiction. In addition, there has been a connection with addiction in certain genes as well including GABRA2, ANKK1, neurexin 1, neurexin 3, and aldehyde dehydrogenase. These chromosomes and genes that have been studied display a connection amongst more than one specific substance. For future studies, scientists hope to find more information on the genes connected to this issue as well as the nature of each of them.

The use of genetics in addiction studies could help to eliminate these upsetting statistics. In the future, scientists could use these genes connected to addiction in order to help find better treatment options. Currently, many treatment options are pharmaceuticals that are not fixing the solution as addicts are still able to manipulate these drugs. Through the isolation of these genes, hopefully more natural cures could be found as well as preventative options for those predisposed to powerful substance addictions.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090310142912.htm

Genetics influence alcohol dependence, brain activity

The brain has many functions for the body and it can also influence the way that it can affect the brain. Margit Burmeister, research professor at University of Michigan’s Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute has done research in a genetic link between genetic variations associated with alcoholism, impulsive behavior and a region of the brain involved in craving and anxiety. The results suggest that a gene called "GABRA2" has variations that can aid in risk of alcoholism by influencing impulsive behaviors, at least in part through a portion of the cerebral cortex known as the insula said Margit Burmeister. In this article, the research was done through a study with 449 people, who came from 173 families - 129 of whom had at least one member diagnosed with alcohol dependence or abuse. It shows that the people with the variation of this gene most likely had alcohol dependence symptoms and higher measures of impulsiveness in response to distress, the study found. Stronger associations were found in women than in men. Also, there were other test done to the individuals like fMRI( functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to observe blood flow to the brain. What they discovered from the individuals is that the people with one form of the GABRA2 gene associated with alcoholism showed significantly higher activation in the insula when anticipating rewards and losses than those with other combinations. This higher activation was also related to a greater level of impulsiveness in response to distress.

The association of brain activity and genetic variation should be able to influence a persons behavior. Since the genetic variation affects the brain it seems reasonable that it would have an influence on alcohol dependence and brain activity. However, this study need to do more research with other questions asked to the individuals that they study to get a more better picture to further understand this gene.