Beyond Mor: Can Induction of Dopamine Homeostasis Along with Electrotherapy Attenuate the Opioid Crisis?

Kenneth Blum1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, Abdalla Bowirrat1,8, Eric R Braverman3

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.

Clinical and Experimental Psychology
|June 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Identifying genetic predispositions to addiction early is crucial for the opioid crisis. The Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test offers a potential standard of care for assessing addiction risk and guiding non-addictive treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Addiction research
  • Genetics and epigenetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The opioid crisis necessitates novel assessment tools for substance and non-substance addictive behaviors.
  • Early identification of pre-addiction through genetic testing is vital due to known DNA antecedents.
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors, including Mu-Opioid receptor (MOR) polymorphisms and dopaminergic function, influence addiction predisposition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce the Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test as a potential "standard of care" for addiction risk assessment.
  • To explore non-addictive alternatives for managing addiction and opioid dependence.
  • To highlight the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors in addiction.

Main Methods:

  • Development and proposed implementation of the Genetic Addiction Risk Severity (GARS) test.
  • Review of genetic and epigenetic factors related to addiction.
  • Identification and discussion of various non-addictive treatment modalities.

Main Results:

  • The GARS test aims to identify individuals at risk for addiction early in life.
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors play a significant role in predisposition to addiction.
  • A wide range of non-addictive alternatives exist for addiction management.

Conclusions:

  • The GARS test holds promise as a standard for addiction risk assessment, protected by GINA law.
  • Further research into genetic and epigenetic influences on addiction is warranted.
  • Clinicians should prioritize long-term, non-addictive strategies over short-term opioid use for opioid dependence.

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