COCAINE DEPENDENCE AND GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY IN THE DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEM

Abstract

Cocaine dependence is a multifactorial condition with high global prevalence. Environmental, psychological, and contextual factors influence its onset and maintenance, and genetic susceptibility has gained prominence as an additional explanatory element. This study aims to reinforce findings that demonstrate the contribution of genetics to cocaine dependence, with an emphasis on genes associated with the dopaminergic system. Original articles indexed in PubMed were included. Results show that alterations in the dopaminergic system directly influence the risk of compulsive use. Genes DRD2, ANKK1, SLC6A3, COMT, OPRM1, and DBH stood out for their recurrence and functional relevance. The data corroborate the importance of the dopaminergic pathway in the genetic susceptibility to this disorder