Are we genetically predisposed to addictions?

Abstract

peer reviewedIs free will the rule in front of drugs, alcohol or gambling? Would interindividual genetic variations influence our behaviour to such a point that addiction susceptibility would be enhanced or decreased? Addiction predisposition is a complex trait, involving numerous predisposition genes and also environment. Heritability of this trait is 50%, meaning a similar contribution of genes and environment in the setting of this trait. Some genes of the dopaminergic system and some others specific for various drugs metabolism have been associated to addictions. The growth of those findings into promising pilot treatments seems a good future coming in