Over 200 Genes Linked to Quitting Smoking
My friend Christina has been trying to quit smoking for ages. Last weekend, she thought she’d sneak out for a drag on her last cigarette.
I had a cigarette breakdown, and had one in an otherwise empty pack in my purse last night. I spent the evening pondering when I was going to smoke it, either that night, or save it for the morning. So, I got up out of bed last night about 11, went for my *one* cig, and pulled it out of the pack and it had some flower stickers on it and a message - April Fools! It took me a minute to figure out that Zoe [her daughter] had thrown it away and replaced it with a rolled up piece of paper. OMG I thought I would kill her. Addiction sucks.
Addiction probably sucks more for some people than others because of their genetic make-up. In the first study to examine genes that influence successful abstinence from smoking instead of susceptibility to addition, researchers found 221 genes that appeared to be associated with smoking cessation. Of these, 187 genes have a known function but 34 do not and 62 are also involved in drug dependence.
So, Christina, what kind of genes do you think you have? Actually, never mind. I don’t want you to be using your genes as an excuse. Just quit already!! And that goes for you too, Mr. Homely Scientist Tris.
Tags: smoking, cigarettes, nicotine, genes, addiction, genetics, genome, dna, health
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POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
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6 opinions for Over 200 Genes Linked to Quitting Smoking
Ed
Apr 5, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I used to frequent a restaurant that was divided down the middle with smokers on one side and non on the other. None of the wait staff wanted to work on the nonsmoking side–they called it “being thrown to the wolves.”
It seems the nonsmokers as a group were surly, demanding bastards who found more than smoke to complain about.
The reason for this phenomenon is obvious.Tobacco is the best antidepressant known to man. The nonsmokers are depressed and think it’s healthy. Remember that the next time you badmouth smoking– you’re asking for a meaner world.
Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
Apr 5, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Ed: lol Thanks for the anecdote. I guess I won’t ask what side of the restaurant you sit on. ;)
And to tell the truth, I’d rather have a healthier, badass Christina than a mellow, short-lived friend.
Christina
Apr 5, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Actually, I think I am much more of a badass when I am smoking. Depressed healthy Christina is just plain ol dull. But I keep trying anyway. Can’t I just blame it on my genes and move on??
Krish
Apr 6, 2007 at 4:48 am
Well,im not very much against Christina,but i’d jus like to ask something…can we ever stop smoking??!?
Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
Apr 6, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Krish: Sure we can! Take that cigarette and throw it out!
Natalie
Apr 9, 2007 at 5:50 pm
My husband told me he stopped smoking in his 20s (he used to smoke 3 packs a day!!) by chewing, smoking on an empty pipe every time he wanted to smoke.
After 1 year the urges subsided and he quit for good!
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