Could Opioid Abuse be Closely Related to Genetics?

A new study shows that genetics could play a large role in determining who could become a victim of opioid abuse. The study was recently published in the Biological Psychiatry journal and analyzed the genetic makeup of over 5,000 Americans who had been exposed to opioids in some form. The study looked at the genetic differences between those that developed an addiction to opiates and those that did not.

Researchers found a variant on one chromosome, located close to a gene called RGMA, which was seen to be related to opioid dependence in African Americans as well as European Americans. This same team of researchers has found other genes related to opioid dependence in previous studies.

Research was Completed on Human and Mouse Brains

Researchers looked at gene expression in both mice and humans. In the human samples, a link was found between RGMA and a number of other genes that have previously been tied to disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.

National Institute on Drug Abuse Convinced Genetics Play a Key Role in Opioid Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse contends that between 40-60% of a persons predisposition to opioid addiction has to do with genetic factors, including the impact of environmental factors on how these specific genes function.

Additional Research Required to Solve the Puzzle of Addiction

While this new research sheds some interesting light on addiction, and how genetics play a role, there is still quite a bit of work to be done when it comes to identifying exactly what causes drug addiction, and what can be done to help prevent it. While genetics may hold a key, there’s still a wide array of environmental factors that also likely contribute to addiction.

Struggling With Opioid Addiction? We can Help!

If you’re currently struggling with an addiction to opiates, it’s important to understand that there is always hope. No matter how long you’ve been addicted, or how many times you’ve tried to stop, there’s always hope that today will be the day that you finally begin to conquer your addiction. At Advanced Rapid Detox, we take a unique approach when it comes to treatment for opioid abuse, which is unlike many other programs around the country. Our program includes the following:

• Fast and safe 3-Day Opiate Detox performed inside a hospital while under general anesthesia.
• Opiate treatment and recovery occur over a 3 day period in a private hospital.
• Your entire procedure will be performed under the supervision of a Board Certified Physician & Anesthesiologist.
• Our team has been performing safe opiate detox procedures since 2007.
• Upon discharge, our Vivitrol® coordinator will give you a list of providers in your area to obtain the shot every 28 days.
• Long-term detox related aftercare by your treating physician.
• 0% interest financing through our lending partner, M-Lend Financial.

To find out if our rapid opiate detox program is for you, feel free to reach out to our team today by phone at 800-603-1813.