Each of us is fully aware of what a dangerous drug alcohol can be. In the same manner as deadly opioids like heroin or potent stimulants like nicotine, alcohol can completely dominate your body and trigger severe forms of abuse, dependency, and addiction. If you are a heavy drinker or know someone who is an alcohol abuser, you might want to pay extremely close attention to the following details, as researchers have confirmed that alcohol can (in fact) transform DNA. According to this recent report, this dangerous drug (yes, it is one) will warp the structure of the DNA in such a severe way that you will start to crave alcohol even more than before. How is this dangerous situation possible and what factors must be taken into consideration? Let’s take a closer look at the incredibly frightening way that alcohol can completely warp your DNA structure.
Rearranging Those Strands
According to Dipak K. Sarkar (a professor at Rutgers University), alcohol can warp the structure of the DNA in such a severe way that people will start to suffer from debilitating cravings. Remarkably, as he adds, this big reveal could also explain why alcohol is such a dangerously addictive drug. Later, scientists could use this information to treat alcohol use disorders or provide updated resources to help people prevent alcoholism from taking effect.
Conducting the Experiment
For the study, the team of researchers assessed two genes that are directly involved in behavior associated with drinking:
- PER2: an influencer on the biological clock
- POMC: the regulator of the stress-response system
Simultaneously, the team assessed a group of people constituting people who take part in moderate drinking, binge drinking, or heavy drinking. Remarkably, both the PER2 and the POMC genes in the bodies of the binge and heavy drinkers had been considerably warped. How is this possible? The scientists confirmed methylation (an “alcohol-induced gene modification” process) completely rearranged the structure of the DNA sequencing. Even more disturbing, the DNA of the binge and heavy drinkers exhibited reduced gene expressions (the process of protein creation). The more booze consumed, the more severe the damage.
So, what was the ultimate result of the study? Overall, these alcohol-induced gene transformations were directly linked with an overwhelming urge to drink alcohol. In the end, the medical team hopes this study will help them unlock biomarkers (specialized genes) that could protect people from taking part in binge drinking to begin with.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Despite what medical reports about alcohol’s benefits for heart health and stroke prevention (which are true), alcohol (like any drug) can potentially harm you. Are you suffering from a form of alcohol use disorder? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is suffering from this problem, as well? In both cases, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to put a stop to your alcohol use disorder today.