Genetics

> Specific genes can be linked to addiction
>Different people have different verisons of the gene that controls dopamine receptors
>If inherited they may be more likely to develop an addiction, although a trigger is needed.
>These people are more vulnerable at the initiation and relapse stage.
>Main ways to investigate genetic factors is by twin studies
>Recently made possible to carry out genetic analysis
>Two methods = different answers
>Family studies tend to illustrate environmental factors in the development of addiction

MZ = Monozygotic (identical)
DZ= Dizygotic (non-identical)
Concordance rates between…