A survey with 132,000 participants was conducted through 23andme, the popular DNA tracing website, in order to see where drug dependency comes from.
Turns out, they found a specific genome within a DNA strand that, if you have it, makes you more prone to becoming addicted.
The study compared DNA of thousands of people in order to find any variations that correlate with a specific trait. This is used commonly for diseases, behaviors, and physical characteristics, and has created links between gut bacteria and insomnia along with variants linked to major depressive disorder. In summation, it’s a highly effective way to figure out hereditary issues.
One of the problem genomes is Cell Adhesion Molecule 2 (CADM2), which in the past was linked with obesity and cancer metastasis. The second is called Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 3 (GRM3) which has previously been linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
It’s important to note that the existence of these genomes doesn’t mean drug dependency is a sure thing, just that it’s more common with the existence of this type of DNA.
There may be way more than just these two. A secondary analysis found 40 genes connected to lifetime use of cannabis and 4 more genes that connected to heavy usage. It seems we’re just at the beginning of our understanding here.
At some point soon, it may be common to submit your DNA to a site like 23andme and get an analysis back stating how likely you are to become dependent on cannabis or other drugs. Fascinating times!
Read the original story at New Atlas.
