A new study suggests that a combination of social integration, gender, and genetics produces different effects for male and female subjects when it comes to substance abuse. A person's gender has long been known to influence the risks and protections that affect different health problems in both men and women. With this latest study, genetics is added into the equation.
This study, led by Brea Perry of Indiana University, looked at Male and female subjects who exhibited higher genetic sensitivity to stressful conditions. What they found is that, overall, strong social and family ties reduce the risk of drug and alcohol abuse for male subjects. For females with the same genetic sensitivity, on the other hand, even the factors that affect strong social ties could potentially outweigh the benefits. To explain this result, Dr. Perry said, "It is likely that gene environment interactions may operate differently from men and women, perhaps because they experience some aspects of the social world in divergent ways. In families and communities, for example, women often bear more responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships and so more of the care work that is required in those contexts. We cannot assume that a social environment that is favorable for men, and thus reduces the harmful impact of a risky genotype, is also beneficial for women, or vice versa."
The researchers also mapped out which genes were associated with alcohol dependence and substance abuse. In the analysis, the researchers focused on the GABRA2 gene that is related to an increased risk for substance use disorders. Results revealed how social integration help men who struggle with substance abuse and are in need of emotional support. However, researchers also discovered that although social and family ties had a positive effect for most women, the demands of relationships were often overwhelming for Women with higher sensitivity to stress. These results suggest that genetics plays a role in how a person handles the stress.