Guidelines: Community Support Vital to Promote Cancer-Preventing Lifestyle

Abstract

1473-1482). Monkeys that have been trained to self administer an intravenous dose of cocaine by pressing a lever are more likely to administer the drug if they are lower in the social hierarchy. Moreover, although prolonged drug use reduces D2 receptor levels in both dominant and subordinate monkeys, D2 levels in dominant animals begin to rebound after several months of abstinence while those of subordinate monkeys do not. This growing body of evidence suggests that interventions that boost D2 dopamine receptors, whether drugs or other therapies, may help treat alcoholism or other addictions or may help protect individuals who have a genetic predisposition from developing these disorders. Drug interventions may be problematic because of the complexity of the dopamine system, said Gene-Jack Wang, MD, of the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY, and a member of the research team. However, environmental interventions have shown promise. For instance, exercise has been shown to boost D2 dopamine receptor levels, Wang said. And, as Nader’s studies suggest, boosting an individual’s positive social interactions might be another approach. Perhaps the most important finding of the study is the hopeful message it sends individuals with a family history of alcoholism. “This study helps us understand the fundamental nature of the behavior of alcoholism,” Wang said. “Just because a person is born with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism doesn’t mean that’s it. There are things that can help them.”