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Does a Common Genetic Difference Underlie Alcohol and Nicotine Addiction?

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Does a Common Genetic Difference Underlie Alcohol and Nicotine Addiction?

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For the first time, CAMH’s Dr. A.D. Lê and colleagues found experimental evidence to support the theory that a shared genetic determinant accounts for co-abuse of the most frequently used drugs in the world, nicotine and alcohol. Studies show that individuals who suffer from alcoholism are more likely to smoke, compared to the general population. In fact, the prevalence of smoking in people with alcoholism is about 3 times higher than in the general population. Results from studies involving twins have led to the theory that a common genetic difference puts twins at risk for both alcohol and nicotine addiction. However, investigating this theory in human studies is hindered by the possibility that smoking leads to drinking and vice versa. This study showed that an affinity for nicotine could be demonstrated before exposure to alcohol. In a paper recently released in the Journal of Neuroscience, Dr. Lê and colleagues directly tested the hypothesis that a common genetic difference underl

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