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Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related

By Jeralyn, Section Crime Policy
Posted on Sun Mar 12, 2006 at 11:52:18 PM EST
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The BBC reports on a new study that finds people with a certain gene variation are more likely to become dependent upon cocaine.

The Institute of Psychiatry has ... identified a gene variation where cocaine would more markedly inhibit a protein that controls removal of key mood chemical dopamine in the brain. Two copies of the variant made people 50% more likely to be cocaine abusers.

The details:

[Cocaine's] key effect is that it strongly inhibits the action of a protein - DAT - which controls removal of excess dopamine from the junctions between nerve cells in the brain. This leads to nerve cells effectively being overloaded with dopamine, which is thought to contribute to the "high" associated with taking cocaine.

Not everyone is touting the study:

Harry Shapiro, of the charity DrugScope, said: "While genetics may have a role in helping us to understand the nature of addiction, it would be wrong if this kind of research encouraged governments not to tackle the economic and social root causes of chronic, endemic drug use by instead focusing on individual pathology."

Some myths and facts about cocaine are here. Just for fun, check out this 1855 ad for cocaine toothdrops and this 1880 Apothecary jar.

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    • Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related | 10 comments (10 topical)
    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 01:17:35 AM EST
    Alcoholism has for some time now been clinically suspected of being related to genetic makeup. This report does not surprise me in the least.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 04:22:34 AM EST
    It doesn't surprise me either -- or the response to the finding. Whenever some component of a complex behavioral response is shown to have a genetic component, even a small one, there are always howls of dispair and outrage, and grave warnings that we must be ever-vigilant against the powers of darkness that want to now ignore social and economic causes of disease.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 05:44:21 AM EST
    Gee, I'm a recovering alcoholic. My father was an alcoholic. His father was an alcoholic. Your guess is as good as mine from there on, but you get my drift. I come from a dynasty of drunks. I've been to a zillion AA meetings. Mine is hardly an uncommon tale. I'd rank this up there with Swedish Officials Find Most First Graders Blonde.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#4)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 07:28:36 AM EST
    I have been a roadie for a San Francisco rock band since 1968. (I probably hold every roadie record for longevity, 38 years with the same band and missed only four performances in that time.) During the '70s my world was awash with cocaine. It was everywhere, and if you were in the band, people would supply it for you at no cost. I knew a lot of people with cocaine problems. Half of my friends fell victim to it, and the other half, myself included, never saw the attraction. The band was divided right down the middle over it. This study makes sense to me, because I am no better morally than most of those I saw with coke problems, but I never had one myself. If you care to read more about four decades of roadying, it's on my website.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#5)
    by Slado on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 08:47:37 AM EST
    Agreed. New study...Mice like cheese. People are obviously inclined to like booze, food, sex, TV, drugs, caffine etc... more then other people. The issue is that a person is him or herself repsonsible for knowing their limits and not partaking in activities whent they can't control themselves. Unfortunately most people can't figure this out till its too late. I like posting wingnut posts on blogs too much. I need help.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#6)
    by Johnny on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 09:00:43 AM EST
    Unfortunately most people can't figure this out till its too late.
    So then, just for contrarian sake, what is the point in spouting off about personal responsibility?

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#7)
    by scarshapedstar on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 10:13:21 AM EST
    Hey, now George "The Snowman" Bush can finally come clean, he's got an excuse.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#9)
    by Che's Lounge on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 10:31:29 AM EST
    There are still social factors and personality traits and disorders (not inherited) that can predispose a person to abuse a drug. But if confirmed, this is a helpful study. Repack Rider makes a good point. Too bad the gov wants to throw all of us in prison instead of putting half of us in treatment.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#10)
    by Slado on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 11:13:49 AM EST
    Believing in personal responsibility requires one to accept that some people will make the wrong choice. Be it genetic, emmoctional or situational reasons people will make the bad decisions. What we all must strive for is that everyone gets the chance to make the right one.

    Re: Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related (none / 0) (#11)
    by Johnny on Mon Mar 13, 2006 at 01:17:18 PM EST
    What we all must strive for is that everyone gets the chance to make the right one.
    Isn't that what the movie "Gattaca" was about?

    Cocaine Dependence May Be Gene-Related | 10 comments (10 topical)