{
  "id": 2817314,
  "title": "Multi-ancestry study explores how DNA and trauma affect smoking habits",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/multi-ancestry-study-explores-how-dna-and-trauma-affect-smoking-habits",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-23T16:00:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PsyPost",
    "slug": "psypost",
    "url": "https://www.psypost.org/how-trauma-symptoms-and-genetic-risk-combine-to-influence-smoking-habits/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry examined the combined impact of genetics and trauma symptoms on tobacco use following a distressing event. The research involved 2,973 adults who had recently experienced a traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle collision or physical assault. Participants of African, European, and admixed American ancestries provided blood samples, with genetic risk scores calculated for tobacco and alcohol use.\n\nHigher genetic risk scores for tobacco were associated with an increased likelihood of tobacco use six months after the trauma. However, alcohol genetic scores only reliably predicted drinking behavior in participants of European ancestry. When analyzing the interaction between PTSD symptoms and genetic risk, the study found an antagonistic effect rather than a simple additive relationship. Specifically, trauma symptoms and genetic predisposition did not independently increase the risk of tobacco use. Instead, individuals with high genetic risk for tobacco showed a weaker association between trauma symptoms and subsequent tobacco use, while those with lower genetic risk exhibited a stronger connection.\n\nRe-experiencing symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares, had a particularly strong interaction with genetic scores, leading to a notable increase in tobacco use for participants with low genetic risk. In contrast, no such interaction was observed for alcohol consumption. This suggests that people with a lower baseline risk for tobacco use may be more susceptible to environmental stressors like trauma. The study's findings highlight the complex interplay between genetics, trauma, and substance use behavior, with implications for understanding and potentially mitigating the risk of tobacco use among individuals with a genetic predisposition for substance use.",
  "summary": "New research reveals how genetic risk and trauma symptoms combine to influence tobacco use. Individuals with a lower genetic predisposition to smoking may actually be more vulnerable to using tobacco in response to severe post-traumatic stress symptoms.",
  "key_points": [
    "Study examines genetics and trauma's impact on smoking habits",
    "2,973 adults from African, European, and admixed American ancestries",
    "Higher tobacco genetic risk linked to increased use after trauma"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}