Medical Genetics Commons^™

Genetic Predispositions To Opioid Addiction, Legislative Action And Implications To Pharmacy Practice, Adam N. Trimble, David N. Jones, Courtney L. Salvino, Michael M. Milks, David Kisor

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Prescription pain-relievers can be powerfully effective agents in the treatment of moderate to severe pain; however, these drugs are also strongly associated with drug abuse and addiction. In the brain, opioid analgesics bind to various receptors in the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathways, which play a multifaceted interaction of role in reward. Several specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified as potential genetic factors that increase an individual's risk for addiction; however, confounding studies and lack of large trials prohibit definitive conclusions from being drawn. As a result of genetic testing, federal and state laws have been enacted to protect individuals …