How To Test For The Addictive Gene
Updated on November 25, 2024
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How To Test For The Addictive Gene

Although thereโ€™s no such thing as an addiction gene, there are certain genetic predispositions that can lead to inheriting addiction. If someone in your family struggles with addiction, youโ€™re at a much greater risk of inheriting it compared to someone who doesnโ€™t.

The risk is higher if itโ€™s a first-degree relative who is addicted like parents, siblings, or children. Of course, having a family history of addiction doesnโ€™t guarantee youโ€™ll develop an addiction. 

Addiction is often caused by various factors such as lifestyle choices, mental health, and environment. Genetic testing can analyze your DNA and identify your risk for substance use disorders like alcoholism and opiate addiction.

How To Test For The Addictive Gene 2

Top DNA Tests For Addiction Risk

Many commercial DNA tests canโ€™t assess your risk for addiction or substance use disorder specifically. Instead, theyโ€™ll look into your genetic addiction risk severity and provide a breakdown of how susceptible you are.

For this, we recommend AvertD and Genetic Addiction Risks (GARS). These tests look for genetic markers associated with a higher addiction risk. As with any DNA test, there are pros and cons to genetic testing.

AvertD by Solvd Health โ€“ Best for Opioid Addiction

  • Assess your risk for opioid use disorder (OUD)
  • A clinically validated test administered by a doctor
  • Painless sample collection (cheek swab)
  • Analyzes samples in CLIA-approved labs
  • Tests 15 genetic markers linked to addiction
  • Get your results within 48 hours

Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) โ€“ Best for Substance Use Disorder

  • Clinical prescription-only test
  • It can assess an entire familyโ€™s risk for addiction
  • Predicts the severity of drug dependence and alcohol addiction
  • Can help you determine any potential for substance abuse

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Can DNA Tests Predict Addiction?

DNA tests canโ€™t predict addiction, but they can give you a heads-up. Researchers have successfully identified genetic variations that are associated with a higher risk of drug addiction and alcohol dependence. This also helps them predict how severe a future addiction will likely be.

These genetic tests look for reward gene polymorphisms. When exposed to certain environmental factors, this gene can increase impulsive, compulsive, and addictive behaviors.

Itโ€™s important to note that just because someone in your family suffers from drug abuse doesnโ€™t mean that gene was passed on to you. However, if youโ€™re not sure whether addiction runs in the family, DNA testing for addiction may be a good option. 

What Do You Inherit That Makes You More Susceptible to Substance Abuse?

Addiction is a complex interplay of several genetic factors, genetic susceptibility, and your environment. Some examples include:

  • Vulnerability to mental health conditions or psychiatric disorders
  • Alcohol metabolism
  • Low pain tolerance
  • Early exposure to others with addiction problems
  • Peer pressure
  • Socioeconomic factors
  • Stress and trauma
  • Chronic pain

Additionally, if your dopamine production is easily triggered, you may be at risk of developing an addiction. This is because the release of dopamine can feed an unhealthy reward loop, causing you to seek things that can cause a high.

So while there is a genetic basis for addiction, itโ€™s not, in itself, inherited. The factors that may make you turn to substances are in your genes.

What To Do If You Have A Genetic Risk for Addiction

People with a heightened risk for addiction should avoid vices and substances to cope with stressful situations or negative emotions. Consider avoiding social situations where addictive substances are involved.

Other tips to reduce your risk of addiction include:

  • Seek treatment for co-morbid illnesses that can increase your risk of addiction (depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, etc.)
  • Develop healthy coping strategies, hobbies, and activities to reduce your risk of addiction and manage stress levels.
  • If you have to use certain substances, like opioids for pain or surgery, take active measures to control your intake.
  • Have a support network of family, friends, or medical professionals to hold you accountable.

Lastly, itโ€™s important to know when to ask for help. If youโ€™re struggling with any form of addiction, seek treatment as soon as possible. Healthcare professionals can help you explore different treatment options catered to your needs.

SAMHSAโ€™s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationโ€™s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from addiction, look into treatment centers for treatment plans, potential medical monitoring, support, and psychiatric help.

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Updated on November 25, 2024
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9 sources cited
Updated on November 25, 2024
  1. โ€œThe Benefits of Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARSโ„ข) Testing in Substance Use Disorder (SUD).โ€ National Center for Biotechnology Information.ย 
  2. โ€œThe genetics of addiction.โ€ National Center for Biotechnology Information.ย 
  3. โ€œGenetics: The Blueprint of Health and Disease.โ€ National Institute on Drug Abuse.
  4. โ€œHuman Endogenous Retrovirus-K HML-2 integration within RASGRF2 is associated with intravenous drug abuse and modulates transcription in a cell-line model.โ€ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  5. โ€œYour genes and addiction.โ€ Harvard Health Publishing.
  6. โ€œThe dopamine system in mediating alcohol effects in humans.โ€ PubMed.ย 
  7. โ€œGenetic Testing for Addiction: 5 Things to Know.โ€ U.S. News.ย 
  8. โ€œRole of environmental factors in cocaine addiction.โ€ National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  9. "New NIH study reveals shared genetic markers underlying substance use disorders." National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Angela Natividad
Angela Natividad
Content Contributor
Angela is a full-time digital content manager and editor for Know Your DNA. She also contributes freelance articles to several local and international websites when she has the time. She's always been a voracious believer in finding the truth and ensuring the science is sound.