Baylor research finds potential link between stress and addiction

Researchers have wondered for years if some people have a genetic disposition towards addiction, with alcoholism being the most common affliction. A recent study by a Baylor professor may have found that link.

Dr. Doug Matthews, professor of psychology and neuroscience and a member of BARC (the Baylor Addictions Research Consortium), pinpointed a region on the chromosomes that could be responsible for how people respond to stress — for instance, by turning to drugs or alcohol.

The study appeared in the journal Behavior Genetics and was honored as the best paper published in the journal in 2008. But Matthews is quick to note that he and his fellow researchers don’t expect to find answers to addiction in biology alone, which is why BARC is so important. The group of Baylor professors is looking at addiction from all angles; for more on their work and how it’s already helping the Waco community, check out this story from Baylor Magazine.

Sic ’em, Dr. Matthews and the Baylor Addictions Research Consortium!