Addiction Genes

Question 1

What are the two genes associated with addiction?

Answer 1

DRD2 and ADH gene

Question 2

What type of DRD2 gene does a person need to be more likely to be an addict? How does tis make them more likely to have addiction?

Answer 2

A1 variant- fewer dopamine receptors to pick up pleasure so overstimulate on the behaviour which may form an addiction

Question 3

Study to support DRD2

Answer 3

Comings et al. (1996)- 49% of smokers and ex smokers carried A1 variant compared to 26% of normal population

Question 4

What is the function of ADH genes? Whats the process of a normal ADH gene?

Answer 4

Break down alcohol in the body, body metabolises alcohol into acetaldehyde due to ADH, AlDH breaks it own further into acetic acid and water.

Question 5

Whats the other variant of ADH linking to decreased alcoholism

Answer 5

some variants of these genes increase acetaldehyde which decreases the risk of alcoholism as it causes nausea, acts as negative reinforcement

Question 6

Whats the other variant of ADH linking to increased risk of alcoholism?

Answer 6

Other variants break down alcohol slower meaning the person is more likely drink more alcohol to feel the same effect as others so therefore are more likely to become addicted.