A new study has indicated that individuals with the G variant of the A118 polymorphism of the OPRM1 gene have greater subjective feelings to alcohol’s effects as well as a greater likelihood of a family history of alcohol-use disorders."Alcohol releases endogenous opiates which, in turn, seem to influence the mesolimbic dopamine system, this system is involved in craving and the motivation to use alcohol and drugs. Thus, it is alcohol’s effects on endogenous opioids that act as the gateway through which alcohol may influence this system,” said Kent E. Hutchison, lead author of the study and associate professor of psychology at the University of Colorado.The participants for the study comprised 38 students at the University of Colorado, in the age group of 21-29, who revealed drinking patterns classified as moderate to heavy.The results of the study showed that individuals with the G allele had higher subjective feelings of intoxication, stimulation, sedation, and happiness across trials as compared to participants with the A allele.The study also found that participants with the G allele were almost three times more likely than those with the A allele to report a family history positive for alcohol-use disorders.
