Research Probes Genetic Underpinnings of Nicotine Addiction

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Original post: Newswise - Addiction Research Probes Genetic Underpinnings of Nicotine Addiction

A new study from the Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Psychiatry in the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine shows that smokers who carry a particular version of a gene for an enzyme that regulates dopamine in the brain may suffer from concentration problems and other cognitive deficits when abstaining from nicotine “” a problem that puts them at risk for relapse during attempts to quit smoking. The findings pave the way to identify novel medications to treat nicotine addiction.