Addicted to drugs? Blame your genes, say scientists

Scientists at the Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that certain people who are severely addicted to drugs have lower gray matter density than others, in areas of the brain which are associated with self-control, decision-making and learning.

Lower gray matter translates to fewer numbers of neurons in these critical areas.

Nelly Alia-Klein, a medical scientist and study co-author told reporters that drug addicts with low MAOA genotype may require a different treatment than others who bear a high MAOA. MAOA stands for monoamine oxidase A.

Research could pave way for better treatment
The researchers believe that further research in this area is warranted before any conclusions can be reached.

"However, addiction treatment professionals and others who manage addicted individuals, such as probation officers and judges, should be informed of these and other new findings in the neurobiology of drug addiction," Alia-Klein added. The results of the research could be utilised to better manage certain drug addicts.

The results of the study have been published in the March 7 issue of 'Archives of General Psychiatry.'

Duration of substance abuse affects brain
The study involved a group of 40 men who were addicted to cocaine and another 42 men who were not addicted.

Researchers noted that the duration of substance abuse matters. The longer one abuses alcohol, cigarettes or drugs, the lower the amount of gray matter in the frontal areas of the brain would be.

The scientists stressed that the study involved only men and that it is important for future researchers to consider women too.

The best way to protect the brain from such changes was to stop drug abuse as soon as possible.