What are addictions?
Addiction involves the brain's reward system, a network that uses dopamine to signal pleasure, motivation and learning. Everyday rewards such as food, connection and achievement use this system. Some substances and behaviors activate it intensely, and with repetition the brain can adapt, making cravings stronger and other rewards feel duller. Addiction is now widely understood as a health condition, not a failure of character.
How your genes play a role
Research suggests that genetics account for a meaningful share of addiction risk, spread across many genes. Variants may affect how many dopamine receptors you have, how quickly dopamine is cleared, how you respond to opioids made by your own body, and how your stress system reacts. These factors may shape how rewarding certain experiences feel, but environment, support and choices remain central.
Knowing your reward profile can be empowering. If your biology suggests you may find certain experiences especially rewarding, you can be more intentional about your environment and habits. For many people, this knowledge reduces shame and opens honest conversations with family or a clinician. It can also help you choose rewarding activities that support you, like movement, creativity and connection.
What your report shows
Your Addictions results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Dopamine signalingHow your dopamine receptor and transporter genes may shape your sense of reward.
- Natural opioidsHow you may respond to the feel good chemicals your own body produces.
- Stress and cravingVariants in stress hormone genes linked to how pressure may influence cravings.
- Novelty seekingWhether you may lean toward seeking new and stimulating experiences.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| DRD2 | Codes for a dopamine receptor, and some variants are… | Typical |
| DRD4 | A dopamine receptor gene often studied in relation to… | Moderate effect |
| SLC6A3 | Makes the dopamine transporter, which clears dopamine from between… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| DRD2 | Codes for a dopamine receptor, and some variants are linked to having fewer of these receptors in reward areas. |
| DRD4 | A dopamine receptor gene often studied in relation to novelty seeking. |
| SLC6A3 | Makes the dopamine transporter, which clears dopamine from between nerve cells after a signal. |
| OPRM1 | Codes for the main receptor for the body's natural opioids, involved in pleasure and pain relief. |
| COMT | Breaks down dopamine in the front of the brain, an area involved in planning and self control. |
Full panel: 13 genes
DRD2, DRD1, DRD4, SLC6A3, COMT, MAOA, BDNF, OPRM1, OPRD1, CRH, CRHR1, HTR1B, HTR2A
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Building in enjoyable activities like exercise, music or time outdoors gives the reward system positive outlets.
Having calm ways to handle pressure may reduce the urge to reach for quick relief.
Shaping your surroundings and social circle can make healthier choices feel easier.
Talking with a clinician or counselor when something feels hard to control is a sign of strength.
Questions
Does a genetic variant mean I will develop an addiction?
No. Genes describe a tendency, not a destiny. Many people with these variants never develop an addiction, and environment and support play a powerful role.
Why include addiction in a DNA report?
Understanding how your reward system may work can help you make informed choices and remove some of the stigma around a common health condition.
Where can I get support?
Your physician is a good first step, and counselors and support groups can help too. If you need help now, please contact a local helpline.
Only interested in this area? The Cravings & Addiction Risk Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
