Gene variation may explain why some teens abuse alcohol, study says

By Staff Writer

A new study reveals that a genetic variation in the brain activity of certain adolescents may explain why some problem teens binge drink.

The report, which will appear in the April issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, is based on the study of 282 Dutch adolescents. Researchers collected DNA samples from each participant and administered questionnaires in order to determine their drinking behavior, including their frequency as well as their motives behind consuming alcohol.

They found that a variation in the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) was prevalent among teens who drank to suppress negative emotions. DRD2 is involved in the reward pathway in the brain.

The study's lead author said that by linking alcohol use and coping motives with a gene interaction, scientists may be able to develop new treatments for problem drinkers. However, researchers said that the issue should be examined further in order to confirm their findings.

Adolescents who drink alcohol may benefit from boarding schools, many of which help problem teens make better decisions.