Genetic Predisposition

 One of the promising emerging models of addiction comes form the burgeoning field of genetic research. One of the more recent finings for example has clearly linked to the mu-opioid gene to alcohol, smoking and drug addiction. Researchers at University of South Florida and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital report that “In comparing gene patterns between alcoholics and normal volunteers, they found that alcoholics had an abundance of a particular form of the mu-opioid gene, the "AA" form, compared to non-alcoholics”. (It is interesting to note the 2-letter designation chosen to identify this particular form of the gene).

Further, as Bart, et al (2005) note “recent advances in molecular genetics have permitted a hypothesis-driven evaluation of specific genes, which animal and molecular studies have demonstrated are altered by alcohol. Examples of this latter approach include the study of genes encoding proteins involved in the metabolism of alcohol (e.g. alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase); genes hypothesized to be associated with behaviors linked to an increased risk of alcoholism (e.g. impulsivity and tryptophan hydroxylase); and genes encoding or modulating the transcription of proteins involved in the reinforcing effects of alcohol (e.g. neurotransmitters).”