Genetic Test May Predict Drug Addiction

University of Iowa researchers say it is possible to develop tests to determine a person’s genetic potential to become dependent on nicotine or marijuana.

The study, published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, said such tests would not dictate who would become substance-dependent or have behavioral problems, since genes are influenced by other genes and environmental factors.

Our study suggests that analyzing the expression of genes in blood could indicate whether a person is susceptible to having a behavioral disorder, Dr. Robert Philibert of the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine said in a statement.

Having a particular gene expression change does not by itself predict that a person will act a certain way. However, it can indicate who might have a greater biological basis for engaging in behaviors such as smoking and alcohol or marijuana use, he said.