Abstract

Drug addiction is a complex, multifactorial disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. r c Epigenetics, the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA i sequence, plays a critical role in understanding addiction. Environmental influences such as stress, trauma, drug exposure, and social interactions can lead to epigenetic modifications that affect how genes related to addiction are expressed. This paper explores the epigenetic mechanisms involved in drug addiction, the interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental factors, and how these insights can inform treatment strategies and preventative measures. It also examines the potential for epigenetic therapies to reverse addiction-related changes in gene expression.