Coke Addicts Can Blame It on DNA

Newly uncovered gene boosts chance of getting hooked
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 10, 2008 8:34 PM CST
Coke Addicts Can Blame It on DNA
Researchers found that cocaine addicts are 25% more likely to possess a gene variant than those who don't take the drug.   (Shutterstock)

A newly discovered gene can improve your chances of getting hooked on cocaine, scientists said today. A study of 670 cocaine addicts and 700 non-users found that addicts were 25% more likely to have the gene variant. The discovery could lead to DNA screenings for those likely to try the drug, scientists say. "You can certainly use this as a vulnerability marker for cocaine addiction," an author of the study told the Guardian.
(More cocaine stories.)

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