Genes link to alcohol consumption

One gene appears to influence the "high" people get from alcohol

The amount of alcohol people drink could be influenced by their genes, a new study has revealed.

Researchers found drinking habits and possibly a person's susceptibility to addiction may be related to their genetic make-up.

The study was carried out at the Universities of Bristol and Oxford.

A spokesman said: "Understanding genetic influences... is important if we are to understand why some people are more likely to become addicted."

The researchers analysed data from almost 1,000 people who gave detailed information on their drinking habits.

Alcoholic 'high'

The research focused on a key gene that controls chemical signalling in the brain.

Different versions of this gene may affect the balance and effect of signalling molecules and in turn help shape individual drinking habits.

Scientists do not know precisely why particular genetic variants may influence behaviour, but they do have a few clues.

They found that one particular genetic variant - known as DRD2 - was strongly associated with alcohol consumption.

The DRD2 gene appears to influence the "high" people get from drugs such as alcohol.

Those without this variant might derive less pleasure from alcohol, and may therefore drink less, it is thought.