Genetics may play a stronger role in behaviors like smoking and other drug use than previously believed, new research indicates.

The Independent reported June 18 that researchers from Oxford University studied more than 20,000 people and found that a particular version of the human serotonin-transporter gene is strongly related to anxious personalities. People with this gene variant may be more likely to find social interaction stressful and use alcohol and other drugs to calm their anxiety.

Further, scientists said a weaker link exists between the dopamine D4 receptor gene and extroverted personality types – the kind of people who are novelty seekers and perhaps more likely to smoke, take drugs, gamble, or take other risks.

“Our study suggests that there’s a genetic basis to certain kinds of personality traits, which may be important in influencing whether people take up habits like smoking or whether they can subsequently give them up,” said lead researcher Dr. Marcus Munafo. “Understanding genetic influences on personality is important if we are to design health campaigns that are effective for the widest possible range of people.

This study was published in the latest issue of the journal Molecular Psychiatry (2003, Volume 8, Number 5).

Taken from “Join Together Online” (www.jointogether.org)

Join Together is a project of the Boston University School of Public Health