genetics and addiction

University of UtahDepartment of Human Genetics

The New Science of AddictionLouisa A. Stark,

Ph.D. Director

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm

Addiction is similar to other diseases

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html

• Natural reward pathways exist in the brain• Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural

reward pathways• Genetics is a factor in addiction• Timing and circumstances influence

addiction• Addiction is a treatable disease

Key points

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/reward/

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/drugs/

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/genetics/

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/factors/

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/strategy.html

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html

Treatment and recovery

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html

Components of effective treatment

• Treatment medications– Treat withdrawal symptoms– Help the brain adapt to the absence of the

drug– Prevent relapse by interfering with triggers

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/issues/treatments.cfm

Components of effective treatment

• Behavioral therapies– Cognitive behavioral therapy– Motivational incentives– Motivational interviewing– Group therapy

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html

http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html

• Natural reward pathways exist in the brain• Drugs of abuse alter the brain’s natural

reward pathways• Genetics is a factor in addiction• Timing and circumstances influence

addiction• Addiction is a treatable disease

Key points

To learn more

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction/index.cfm