Alcoholism: how alcohol modifies our DNA and makes us want to drink even more



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A recent study published by Rutgers University researchers in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research indicates that consuming large amounts of alcohol can cause changes in the DNA of people, encouraging them even more to drink. .

The researchers looked at the genes of moderate drinkers, overconsumers (and those who drink constantly) and so-called "excessive drinkers" – those who drink a lot of alcohol in a short time. The conclusion was that the last two groups – excessive consumers and excessive drinkers – had had two genes modified under the influence of alcohol, through a process called methylation.

In these groups of people, genetic changes lead to changes in the body's biological clock, stress response system and, more importantly, vulnerability to the alcohol itself: people start drinking more when they are stressed This creates a vicious cycle: the more you drink alcohol, the more you need to drink.

"We have found that people who consume too much alcohol are likely to alter their DNA so as to induce them to drink even more," said Dipak K. Sarkar, lead author of the study, in a statement. "

" This could help explain why alcoholism is such a powerful addiction. It could also, one day, contribute to new ways of treating it or preventing people from becoming addicted. "

The hope is that the research will help create tests with biomarkers (which are biological indicators, based for example on modified proteins or genes), that can predict the risk that each person will become an excessive consumer. of alcohol [19659008] Have you watched our new videos on YouTube Subscribe to our channel

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