Hung over? Mom and dad are to blame

It may come as a surprise for many college students to learn that binge drinking may be a result of genetics.

A research study at the University of Kansas, headed by Paolo D. DePetrillo, clinical investigator at the national Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, has found telling correlations between binge drinking in students and their genetic make-ups.

A group of students between the ages of 17 and 23 were asked to participate in a study in which their drinking habits were noted and saliva samples were taken.

These samples were analyzed to determine the presence or absence of a serotonin transporter gene, 5HTT. This gene is known to cause anxiety and depression, and its presence has been linked to binge drinking.

The results of the studies revealed that binge drinking was common in those students who had two short strands of this gene – one of the three possible combinations of strands.

Though the prevalence of binge drinking is not solely limited to this gene, this correlation does hold considerable accuracy.

“Genes are not there to cause disease, though some mutant versions of a gene may lead to the development of a syndrome or even have a strong effect on behavior,” says Dr. Geoffrey Church, member of the Biology Department at Fairfield University.

“The important thing to remember is that this gene does not cause anyone to become a binge drinker – it couldn’t,” he said.

“What the version of interest may do is cause a slightly different physiological response in those who may find themselves inclined to binging behavior if they have the right complement of the 5HTT genes. If these individuals know of a family history of binging behavior and the link to the gene turns out to be a significant one then they should think carefully about putting themselves in situations where binging is likely,” Church said.

Since binge drinking – defined as 4-5 drinks in a sitting – has become characteristic of several college campuses, it has become necessary to search for a means through which it can be moderated.

This correlation may, furthermore, provide a way to cure serotonin imbalance and limit the universality of binge drinking on college campuses.

“Everyone should make themselves aware of the dangers involved in binge drinking and the consequences that can be associated with it,” Church said.