Friday, December 14, 2012

SCIENCE - Genetic Link For Addiction?

"Scientists Say Bottoms Up to Find the Connection Between Genes and Addiction" PBS Newshour 12/13/2012

Excerpt

SUMMARY: Scientists have not found one master alcoholism gene in DNA but rather several that may affect a person's susceptibility. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien goes under the influence to examine the genetic science behind alcoholism and other addictions, and how the answers point to great challenges in curing substance abuse.

MILES O’BRIEN (Newshour): So far as I know, there's no law against reporting under the influence.

Here we go. Party. So, here goes something. That wasn't too bad.

A stiff dose of 30 grams of pure ethanol, mixed with Diet Coke, the equivalent of three stiff drinks chugged in eight minutes or less.

MAN: And give it a blow. Good. Perfect. Just keep blowing, keep blowing.

MILES O’BRIEN: A bottoms-up moment to help get to the bottom of the link between addiction and our genes.

Marc Schuckit is a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego.

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