Evidence for a Genetic Component for Substance Dependence in Native Americans

Question

The claim that there is evidence for a genetic component for substance dependence in Native Americans is supported by scientific research. A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that substance dependence has a substantial genetic component in Native Americans, similar in magnitude to that reported for other populations. The study examined various genes associated with substance dependence phenotypes, including OPRM1, CRN1, COMT, GABRA2, MAOA, and HTR3-B. Notably, while studies of genes coding for alcohol-metabolizing enzymes have not revealed risk variants specific to Native American populations, most Native Americans lack protective variants seen in other populations.  Further research indicates that the heritability of substance dependence in Native Americans is approximately 50%, aligning with findings in other populations.  However, it's important to recognize that genetics is just one factor; environmental and cultural influences also play significant roles in substance dependence.​

Answer 1

This claim is true, but only to a certain degree. The source provided is a reliable source, but the issue with it is its age, since the research was conducted in 2013 and has an underlying lack of understanding and even racism. They talked about a theory that Native Americans "lose control" when drinking, but that theory was even mentioned to have no support or evidence, and all it does is feed into large stereotypes towards the Indigenous community. It is true that Native Americans struggle with substance abuse, and the original source does test to that, but the main reason behind why they have those various genes they claim to have, is due to cultural, environmental, and historical roles. For example, one reason that has been researched is colonization and the forceful taking of their land has a part to play, as well as the cultural practices held beforehand. Other minority groups hold the same problem because of that social position, like African Americans are reported to be more likely to have drug addictions and struggle the most to get off of it.

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics-demographics/african-americans

https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/native-americans-and-alcohol-addiction/#:~:text=Cultural%20Factors%20and%20Alcohol%20Addiction,-Culture%20plays%20a&text=The%20historical%20trauma%20experienced%20by,cultural%20trauma%20on%20alcohol%20use.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3603686/

Answer 2

The claim proving the evidence of genetic components that are from the affect of Native Americans substances differences from rest of the world, are all around true. The source listed does correctly state the linkage through genes that have been identified as chromosomal regions in "substance dependence"  relating to ones traits, such as body mass, drug tolerance, EEG patterns and externalizing behaviors. The sources credible researchers have found that this is "a significant health issue to many communities influences approximately 50% of the risk observed within a general population". Affecting half or more of the population makes the effect of the statement real and alive. There researchers are credible and trained doctors that are licensed to study medicine and science, through investigation of the source through universities and labs placed across the United States. Since the source of a national website used for medicine, it is credited with all true publishments by the world, and helped for many to educated across the globe.

Another National source, "National Institue of Drug Abuse", further supports this claim from the U.S. Federal Agency for specifically scientific research on drug abuse and addiction. There trained researchers explained that they have found more evidence on this topic, and now find that "genetic factors account for about 40%, and up to 60%, of of addiction due the the genes in there genetics group, including Native Americans". This other federal source confirms that genes are linked to addiction risk, in more good ways than bad, unfortunately.

Source:

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/prevention