Monkeys drink a lot of alcohol because of genes

One study showed that there are genetic changes that make some monkeys drink alcohol in tests.

Genes corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), is a very important part for us to respond to stress everyday. Sometimes it can become very important and lead to stress related issues such as anxiety, depression and alcoholism.

Research results can lead to new treatments for alcoholism.

Writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), scientists show that some monkeys with different variant genes have been drinking a lot of alcohol, which can reduce their worries.

Specifically, the 'T' form of the gene has been associated with an increase in the voluntary consumption of alcohol in the drink, which is equivalent to the concentration of strong beer .

Some of them drink ' beyond the limit. They drink not because it's delicious but it tastes like alcohol . And they act like people do: sleep, be friendly, some are aggressive . "Christina Barr, from the US National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, a co-author said.

It is possible that a similar variant of genes can be obtained in humans, but may be rare. There are also other genes that have been linked to alcoholism.

This can lead to treatments to help reduce the activity of genes that pose a risk of alcoholism among people who carry them.