Genes to blame for difficulty in quitting

A new study shows some smokers have a genetic factor which makes it more difficult to quit smoking.  Smokers who have an abundance of "mu opioid receptors" (MOR) in their brain, are more likely to relapse because their brains find nicotine more rewarding. PET scans were used to show that smokers with excess MOR's had different genetic factors than smokers with less MOR's.
When nicotine fits into these receptors, a flood of reinforcing neurotransmitters are released in the survival and emotional parts of the brain. Humans feel compelled to repeat behaviors that release these "I feel good" neurotransmitters. For smokers, this means, their brain will want to repeat the behavior of smoking.

This research ties our genes to our brain structure to our behavior. Besides leading to new treatments for cessation, hopefully, more people will understand that smoking is not just a bad habit, nor is it a choice, but a physical addiction where smokers need treatment and support to be successful at becoming smoke-free.

Link Between Lung Cancer and Smoking

For years the tobacco companies said that smoking did not cause lung cancer. We now know that smokers are at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer and about 10% of all smokers will develop the disease. About 90% of all lung cancers are in smokers. This article tells of several genetic studies that are showing certain genetic traits that may make a person more likely to become addicted to smoking and also more likely to develop lung cancer. So reality might be that lung cancer is a relationship between heredity and environment. Lung cancer has been so fatal because it is usually found late after it has already spread but a new type of CAT scan, a spiral CAT Scan can find tumors that are small enough to be treatable. This test is not covered by insurance because it hasn't been proved that the survival rate of finding a lung cancer tumor when it is smaller increases life expectancy but it only makes sense to find it as early as you can.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/576699?src=mp&spon=17&uac=103794FK

Genes may Influence Quitting

Here is an interesting article in the Washington Post that states in a recent research project, different genes were identified that may make it easier to decide to use Nicotine Replacement Products or Zyban or Chantix. It seems different gene pattern respond differently. The take away message is that if you tried one product and you weren't able to quit, Blame it on your genes and try, try again. There is no failure to quit until you stop trying. If one method doesn't work, try something else until you find the right combination of medication, behavioral modification and support for you to be successful.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/03/AR2008060302759.html