DAT1 Gene Variant Increases Risk of Cocaine Addiction

The disease of addiction is clearly one that is influenced by genetics. Some people become addicted much more readily than others and that is not only a sign of possible emotional dependencies but also physiological ones.

In the case of cocaine, it acts by inhibiting the DAT protein which removes feel-good dopamine from our system. When the DAT protein is inhibited, cocaine users feel high from the extra dopamine. People with two copies of a specific variant of the DAT1 gene that encodes DAT have a 50% higher chance of becoming addicted to cocaine.

Dr Camila Guindalini:

Although repeated exposure to cocaine will lead to compulsive use in everyone, it seems some people will become addicted to the drug more quickly than others because of a genetic difference.

That’s a hypothesis I don’t intend to test personally.

BBC News, March 13, 2006
PNAS, March 14, 2006

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