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Using Mendelian randomization to explore the gateway hypothesis: possible causal effects of smoking initiation and alcohol consumption on substance use outcomes.

Zoe E ReedRobyn E WoottonMarcus R Munafo
Published in: Addiction (Abingdon, England) (2021)
Bidirectional Mendelian randomization testing of the gateway hypothesis reveals that smoking initiation may lead to increased alcohol consumption, cannabis use and cannabis dependence. Cannabis use may also lead to smoking initiation and opioid dependence to alcohol consumption. However, given that tobacco and alcohol use typically begin before other drug use, these results may reflect a shared risk factor or a bidirectional effect for cannabis use and opioid dependence.
Keyphrases
  • alcohol consumption
  • smoking cessation
  • chronic pain
  • pain management
  • risk factors
  • metabolic syndrome
  • adipose tissue
  • skeletal muscle
  • insulin resistance
  • glycemic control