The biologist spoke about the role of heredity in the development of addictions

Addiction is a moderately inherited trait that depends on dozens of genes, said Valery Polunovsky, head of the development department at the National Center for Genetic Research and a molecular biologist, in an interview with Izvestia. The total contribution of genetics to the development of addictions, according to him, is usually in the range of 40 to 60%.

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"There is no single gene that determines the presence or absence of addiction — rather, it is the result of the interaction of multiple genes with "environmental factors and human lifestyle." For example, the risk of alcohol dependence is significantly related to the form of the DRD2 gene, and the risk of nicotine addiction is related to the CHRNA5 gene, but these processes are also influenced by other genetic markers," the specialist explained.

At the same time, the predisposition to addictions is not gender-specific and is transmitted from both parents, the expert added. If both the mother and the father were addicted, then the child receives a unique combination of their risks.

"The presence of addiction in parents inevitably increases the likelihood of its development in a child. Genetics really plays a huge role here," the molecular biologist admitted.

However, as Polunovsky clarified, the environment in which a person lives will also be of great importance, and he can choose it himself as he grows up.

Read more in the Izvestia article:

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