DNA Testing – Genes and Smoking
Smoking is one of the hardest habits to kick - can DNA testing reveal if we are more likely to become a nicotine addict?
Scientists believe DNA testing could uncover the genes responsible for addiction. Although it’s a complicated and subtle interplay between our genetic make-up, the environment and whether we become addicted to nicotine, it is thought DNA testing could help develop drugs to help treat addicts.
Smoking Ban
Never before has the need to give up smoking been more urgent. Aside from the obvious health impact, the UK has now enforced a smoking ban in public places. Smoking is now anti-social and a far cry from being the ‘cool’ and ‘glamorous’ habit it was once thought to be. Smoking is known to be one of the hardest addictions to quit, so could DNA testing provide some crucial help?
DNA Testing and Nicotine Addiction
Several years ago, the BBC reported on DNA testing that could help smokers quit the habit. DNA testing requires a few drops of blood, and the simple DNA test could help discover who has the addictive gene and which method of quitting is more suitable. The idea that there could be a tailor-made treatment to fit the individual’s genetic make-up was first suggested by an Oxford University team researching the subject of smoking cessation.
Does DNA Testing work?
So how does DNA testing for nicotine addiction work? The DNA test has been dubbed the Nico Test – and it works in the same way that diabetics test for blood-sugar. There is still debate around DNA testing and addiction, but the Oxford team discovered that the ‘addictive gene’ is present in 35% of us, and it’s these people who are more likely to benefit from treatments such as nicotine replacement therapy. The team suggested that if DNA testing revealed you didn’t have the addictive gene, you could successfully quit smoking using nicotine-free methods.
DNA Testing, Nicotine and Quitting
DNA testing can help work out how quickly a smoker can flush out nicotine from their system, which in turn can help work out what dose of nicotine replacement therapy they need to succeed. The Oxford scientists also said that double the number of people succeeded in quitting as a result of discovering the gene and using the right nicotine replacement therapy. Currently, around 96% of smokers who try to quit fail. Only around 5% who go cold turkey without any help or replacement therapy succeed.
It’s thought that parents would be particularly interested to know if their children had the gene. DNA testing could help make people more aware if they are vulnerable to nicotine addiction. It’s thought by many scientists that there is still a long way to go and a lot to uncover when it comes to the role of genetics and DNA testing in determining and treating addictions.
International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA testing services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide DNA testing at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.
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