RISK
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Risk factors for stress-induced alcohol misuse: genetic predictors and mediation by personality type
IRAS ID
266520
Contact name
Matthew Parker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Alcohol misuse is a global health issue responsible for over 1 million hospital admissions per annum in the UK with a combined cost of approximately £21 billion. Chronic alcohol misuse in patients who attend hospital for alcohol-related illness/injury is common, with relapse and recidivism almost ubiquitous. Patients often report that 'stress' was a catalyst for their drinking episodes, but we do not know exactly who is most at risk, how stress leads to drinking, or the genetic basis for this risk. Our research aims to seek to identify patients at higher risk of stress-induced alcohol misuse, or who are more resilient to stress in this context, using a combination of analyses ranging from genetic variants to personality tests and clinical follow-up. The ultimate goal is that patients engaging with alcohol services can receive personalised and focussed treatment and enhance recovery.Summary of Results
Our team embarked on a study to delve into the potential genetic connections related to alcohol consumption and its associated risks. We were particularly interested in understanding why alcohol affects individuals differently. As part of our research, we focused on the DRD4 polymorphic region of the DNA, believed to be linked with risk-taking behaviours. To do this, we engaged 50 individuals who had been hospitalized due to alcohol-related problems and compared them with another group of 50 who, while they consume alcohol regularly, have never been hospitalised for related issues. Both groups underwent genotyping to study their DNA. Currently, we are in the midst of analysing the data, specifically examining the regions surrounding the DRD4 polymorphic area, with the aim of concluding our findings in the coming months. It's worth noting that the COVID pandemic posed challenges and disruptions to our research timeline, but we remain committed to unveiling the results soon. Through our study, we hope to offer valuable insights into the genetic factors that might lead to alcohol-related risks, potentially guiding future prevention and intervention strategies.REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
19/WA/0259
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion