According to new research, genetics may decide how you are influenced by social drinking cues. These can be advertisements, drinks put on a bar, and watching other people drinking. Drinking alcohol increases dopamine levels. The dopamine D4 receptor gene has been identified as a source of motivation for rewards. Research indicates that having a specific form of this gene may be connected to craving caused by alcohol-related cues.
Researchers from Radboud University in The Netherlands wanted to investigate the role the gene plays in an individual’s response to alcohol cues.
“Carrying the DRD4 7-repeat genotype may increase the risk for extensive alcohol use of abuse when spending time with heavy drinking peers,” the report said. “Whether or not people are wired to adapt their drinking to the choice and pace of others may partly depend on their genetic susceptibility to drinking cues.”
