Addiction Risk, Genetics, and the Future of Prevention
Given the ongoing opioid use epidemic and overdose crisis, reducing addiction risk is a top priority. In today’s world, the risk of substance use disorders (SUD) is higher and more dangerous. Indeed, drug overdoses have become the number one cause of accidental death for Americans under thirty.
In the harsh glare of such dangers, effectively assessing addiction risk is paramount in the scientific community. In a new study at Rutgers University, researchers are making real headway. Discovering how young people process the dangers of substance use opens the door to new treatment and prevention strategies.
The Approach of Tarzana Treatment Centers
At Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), there are multiple approaches to the question of addiction risk. However, the two primary approaches are treatment and prevention. First, prevention, from the very meaning of the word, is about preventing people from experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and other sources of addictive disorders. Hence, providing education and raising awareness remain priorities.
At the same time, since its founding over fifty years ago, TTC has emphasized the crucial role of innovative treatment options. When it comes to addressing substance use disorders, treatment saves lives. Thus, TTC offers a variety of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment options, including Medications for Addiction Treatment. In a recent study on addiction risk, researchers balance both priorities.
Rutgers Study = Students and Addiction Awareness
In the Rutgers study, “25 college students who were given varying levels of information regarding alcohol use disorder and the role of genetics in addiction risk. Researchers found that participants generally understood what the genetic risk scores indicated and agreed that they would be more inclined to take precautionary measures against addiction if they were found to have a high-risk score.”
Moreover, a positive outcome of the Rutgers study is the realization that students understand the risk factors. Overall, their awareness of the dangers was high. According to Neuroscience News, “The findings support the potential role of real genetic risk scores in improving addiction prevention and treatment strategies.”
Professional Help = Key to Addressing Addiction Risk
From the perspective of the TTC clinical staff, accessing professional help is the key to addressing substance use disorders. If your family has a history of drug abuse, your addiction risk is higher than average. Given such a danger, please do not take chances. If you or a loved one is experimenting with addictive disorders, please take the first step and contact us. Regarding the current dangers, it is better to be safe than face the ultimate consequences.