Study Links Gene Clusters to Multiple Addictions

A paper from addiction experts at the University of Virginia Health System and the University of Michigan presents new insight into the common gene clusters associated with addiction, Science Daily reported March 16.

The study details the addiction genetics research that has occurred over the past several years and identifies specific genetic locations on the 11 chromosomes where addictions to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, and opioids are clustered.

“Addiction researchers have found that several genes are linked with multiple addictions, so we’re narrowing the scope to specific genetic targets,” said study co-author Ming Li. “The comparison of peaks for addictions to multiple substances on certain chromosomal locations confirms that genetic vulnerability to different substances overlaps, in part.”

The study will appear in the April 2009 issue of the journal Nature Reviews Genetics.