Scientists Link Gene to Teenage Alcohol Abuse
Researchers have linked a gene known as RASGRF-2 to teenage alcohol abuse, according to a report in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal.
The study found that the RASGRF-2 gene plays a crucial role in the way alcohol stimulates the brain to release dopamine, which triggers feelings of reward. Researchers noted that those with a genetic variation of the gene were more likely to be heavy drinkers, Reuters reports.
Scientists analyzed brain scans of 663 14-year-old boys and found that when they anticipated a reward in a mental test, the genetic variations to the gene had more activity to the area of the brain closely linked to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which plays a role in releasing dopamine. Researchers checked back with the boys two years later and found that those with the RASGRF-2 gene variation drank more often than 16-year-olds without it.
As many as 2.5 million people die each year from alcohol abuse worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
