Genetics and Addiction

[Colin]

I have been impressed by the number of MWOers with one or more family members who are also alcoholics.

It appears that there is no longer a question regarding the correlation between genetic traits and the likelihood of addiction. The discussion now centres on which genes are responsible.
Implications of genome wide association studi... [Pharmacol Ther. 2013] - PubMed - NCBI

If baclofen works for A is it more likely to work for A's offspring or siblings?

[Xadrian]

Genetics and Addiction

Colin;1537468 wrote: If baclofen works for A is it more likely to work for A's offspring or siblings?

If the cause is the same, it would be a strong indicator for the effects of the treatment.

[YouKayBee]

Genetics and Addiction

There is supposed to be a genetic marker for Naltrexone/Tsm responders. I've not had the test however I have recently given a sample for a study trying to identify genetic markers/links for addiction and mental health issues - which covers a whole spectrum of things.

[skullbabyland]

Genetics and Addiction

Anecdotally speaking, I've found that some family members and I respond very well to the same medication (in this case, Effexor). Not sure about bac specifically, though.

And being that it's pretty indisputable that there's a strong genetic component to alcoholism, it stands to reason that a medication that helps one may very well help another family member. Worth looking into, anyway.

[Fred_The_Cat]

Genetics and Addiction

Oh yeah, there is definitely a genetic component. My dad and all of my uncles are functioning alcoholics, while my late grandmothers brothers and father were "fuck up your life" alcoholics. I used to be s functioning alcoholic until a traumatic incident sent me over the edge.

I'm hoping it will never come to introducing baclofen to any of them because that would take a severe incident to get the ball rolling. That is what's unfortunate- nobody "has" a drinking problem until there are huge consequences.

[Cassander]

Genetics and Addiction

Fred_The_Cat;1537622 wrote: That is what's unfortunate- nobody "has" a drinking problem until there are huge consequences.

Yep.

And among the many exasperating aspects of alcoholism is that educational programs intended to inform drinkers about the nature of the disease and its consequences are virtually useless. Every drinker begins drinking in the belief that s/he will never be an alcoholic.

I believe there are numerous studies that show that college students actually drink more if you try to educate them about the negative consequences of alcohol abuse.