A new research program established at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., will focus on genetics to give health professionals the ability to predict and prevent alcohol and other drug addictions.

The first part of the genomics research project will be the identification of human genes that contribute to vulnerability to alcoholism. The next step will be to develop ways to use the genetic information to protect individuals from becoming addicted. The goal: to enable people at increased risk of becoming addicted to receive personalized therapy that could change their lives.

“We have known for years that alcoholism runs in families and that children of alcoholic parents are at very high risk of developing the problem,” said David Mrazek, M.D., chair of the Mayo Clinic department of psychiatry and psychology who will direct the research program. “We also know that a deep craving for alcohol is a core component of the problem, and that there is good evidence that these cravings have a genetic basis.

“Some genes already have been linked to alcoholism, but every relevant gene must be identified so we can learn how they interact,” said Mrazek. “This can lead to personalized therapies for people at risk for developing alcoholism and other addictions, involving effective methods of prevention and innovative treatments