Teenagers' drinking habits are inherited

A recent study shows that genetics plays an important role in forming the habit of drinking alcohol in adolescence.

The researchers collected DNA samples from 282 young people aged 13-19 in the Netherlands who used alcohol at least once. They were also asked about the reason for drinking and the degree of alcohol impact they experienced.

The study discovered that drunken habits and alcohol-related problems in adolescents are closely related to the variants of the gene that receives dopamine D2 (DRD2) - the genes involved. reward pathway (reward pathway).

This is the first study of the genetic link to drinking habits to create strong feelings and alcohol-related problems in adolescents.

In the next step, the scientists will continue to further investigate the extent to which alcohol affects the effects of other genetic variations, and whether these effects can be reduced by coordinating multiple measures. different or not.