Addiction is a chronic condition that can affect various aspects of daily life. A family history of substance abuse and environmental influences are often cited as main contributors. However, genetics also play a significant role, raising questions about whether an addiction gene test can identify individual risk.
For decades, medical professionals have used pharmacogenomics to gauge how a person’s unique genetic profile affects their response to various medications. But can this testing method offer insights into how a person’s genes may influence their response to addictive substances and treatment?
This article explores the genetic link to addiction and how this information can be used to identify addiction risk and inform treatment.
Understanding the Genetic Link to Addiction
According to research published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, genetics account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of developing an addiction. Due to the complex nature of substance abuse, there isn’t an addiction gene solely responsible for its development.
However, certain genetic variations can make individuals more prone to developing addictive behaviors toward drugs or alcohol. Specific genes associated with addiction include:
- Dopamine receptor D2. The DRD2 gene, which influences dopamine receptors, is linked to reward sensitivity and addiction risk, particularly for alcohol and cocaine.
- Alcohol dehydrogenase 1B and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2. ADH1B and ALDH2 can impact how quickly someone metabolizes alcohol, influencing alcohol tolerance and the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
- Serotonin receptors HTR1A and HTR2A. Variations in serotonin receptor genes are associated with mood regulation, increasing the risk of alcohol and nicotine addiction.
- Mu opioid receptor gene OPRM1. This gene produces the mu opioid receptor, a protein that plays a role in pain, reward and addiction. Certain variations of this gene can influence opioid or alcohol addiction.
What Is PGx, and How Can an Addiction Gene Test Influence Treatment?
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their response to medications. By analyzing specific genetic variations, PGx helps identify the best drugs and dosages for each person, reducing the risk of side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
PGx testing for addiction treatment is an emerging science, meaning it isn’t yet widely available. That said, medical professionals can use it to understand how genetic differences influence how people metabolize drugs and respond to certain treatment approaches. Benefits of PGx in addiction treatment include:
- Personalized medication selection. Some medications used for addiction treatment, including naltrexone and methadone, work differently depending on an individual’s genetic profile. PGx can identify genetic variations such as OPRM1 to determine which medication may work best.
- Optimized dosing. PGx testing can discover how quickly a patient’s body may metabolize certain drugs. This allows for tailored dosages to maximize therapeutic benefits.
- Reduced side effects. Certain individuals are genetically predisposed to adverse drug reactions. PGx can identify safer alternatives or dosages to minimize these effects.
- Increased understanding of genetic susceptibility. Researchers can study genetic variations across individuals to better understand the biological mechanisms behind addiction. This information can lead to new, effective treatment approaches.
- Tailored prevention strategies. For individuals at a higher genetic risk of addiction, PGx can identify potential vulnerabilities to certain substances. Doctors can use this information to develop personalized prevention strategies before an addiction becomes all-consuming.
The Role of Family History in Addiction Risk
Growing up with a parent, a sibling or another close relative with an addiction can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. While genetics play a huge role in this risk, it isn’t the only contributing factor. Families with a history of addiction often face challenges, including instability and trauma, that can exacerbate genetic vulnerabilities.
For example, a child’s learned behavioral response to trauma often mirrors how their parents reacted in similar situations. If substance use was a normalized coping mechanism in your childhood home, your risk of turning to drugs or alcohol in stressful or unpleasant situations can increase.
Additionally, adverse early childhood experiences can boost susceptibility to addiction. These experiences include:
- Abuse or neglect
- Poor parental supervision
- Stressful life events, such as the death of a parent or caregiver
- Undiagnosed mental health issues
- Favorable attitudes from parents or caregivers toward substance use
Exposure to these issues can negatively impact mental health, affecting your ability to connect with others or navigate daily life. If you’re already genetically predisposed to addiction, failing to treat any underlying mental health problems can further increase the risk of substance abuse. Fortunately, mental health professionals can use information from your family history and addiction gene testing to create a personalized treatment approach.
Personalized Treatment Plans Using Genetic Insights
Even though there isn’t a gene for addiction, exploring your unique genetic makeup can help your health care provider develop a personalized treatment plan to aid recovery. They first conduct PGx testing to identify specific genetic variations linked to addiction.
After determining these variations, a medical professional can match your genetic profile with the appropriate medications. For example, certain OPRM1 variants may respond best to naltrexone for an opioid or alcohol use disorder. Understanding this information also ensures you receive a dosage aligning with how your body metabolizes drugs to minimize side effects.
Behavioral and holistic therapies are also commonly included in addiction treatment plans. Genetic testing can offer insights into certain predispositions to inform therapeutic approaches. If you experience heightened sensitivity to stress that results in substance use, mindfulness or trauma-focused therapies may help establish healthier coping skills. Meanwhile, those with high impulsivity may benefit more from cognitive behavioral therapy to alter their behavior.
As treatment progresses, a doctor conducts regular assessments to monitor your response to the suggested therapies and medication. If your condition changes or the initial treatment doesn’t work, your doctor can conduct more tests and adjust their approach as needed.
Seek Addiction Support at Sun Health Center
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Sun Health Center can help. Using a personalized approach to treatment, we can develop a tailored plan addressing your unique addiction and mental health needs. And if you aren’t sure what you need, we can use our expertise in behavioral health to conduct assessments and find out. Contact us today and learn how our services can enable a successful recovery.
