Receptor Genetics: Why Your DNA Determines How Addictive Nicotine Is for You
Genetic variation in nicotinic receptor genes explains up to 50% of the variance in nicotine dependence. The genetics of addiction are real, clinically relevant, and almost never discussed with smokers. Personalized cessation based on genetics is coming.
A single genetic variant—rs16969968 in the CHRNA5 gene—is associated with heavier smoking, earlier initiation, and greater difficulty quitting. The variant changes the structure of a nicotinic receptor subunit, altering how the receptor responds to nicotine. **This is not a small effect: carriers of the risk variant smoke more cigarettes per day, score higher on dependence scales, and have lower quit rates. The genetics of nicotine addiction are real, clinically relevant, and almost never discussed with smokers. Personalized cessation—matching the treatment to the genotype—is coming.**
