A Genetic Link to Cigarette Smoking: Considerations for Treatment

In a recent New York Times article, the topic of cigarette smoking and a genetic pre-disposition was reported. Some scientists are calling it the "double-whammy" gene, because the gene makes you more likely to smoke heavily and it also makes it less likely for you to quit! Smokers who inherit this gene from both parents have an 80 percent greater chance of lung cancer than individuals who did not have the gene.

Genetics and addiction is becoming a hot topic for research. We know clinically that addiction often is passed on in families, but so far, we haven't had hard science to prove that there were genes identified with the disease of addiction. When we find this gene, it could help us understand the behavior of chain smoking, nocotine addiction and even lung cancer. Eventually, this science could assist us in understanding all types of addictions and developing treatments to address this disease.

Even when we find all the genetic markers for addiction, we will still need to work on the psychological contributors toward addiction. We will continue to need ongoing supports to prevent relapses and self-esteem concerns secondary to addiction.

The good news is that science is taking addiction seriously! We need their help, as well as the tens of thousands women and men who try to fight smoking addiction and other addictions on a daily basis!

Recuperatio Primoris.