Polygenic scores for sensation seeking, but not urgency or lack of premeditation, predicted early alcohol and substance use initiation in nearly 5,000 adolescents, though no genetic link was found specifically for cannabis initiation.
Genetics researchers, adolescent prevention specialists, addiction researchers
Sensation-seeking genetics predicted substance use; no PGS predicted cannabis initiation
What the researchers found
Among 4,808 adolescents in the ABCD Study, sensation-seeking polygenic scores significantly predicted any substance use initiation (OR > 1.10) and alcohol use initiation by age 15. Positive urgency PGS predicted nicotine initiation (OR > 1.06). No polygenic scores were significantly associated with cannabis use initiation specifically. Measured impulsivity accounted for only 5-9% of PGS-substance use associations.
Why it matters
Understanding which genetic dispositions toward impulsivity drive early substance use helps target prevention efforts. The finding that sensation seeking, not urgency or lack of premeditation, is the key genetic pathway suggests prevention should focus on providing alternative high-stimulation activities.
The numbers in context
4,808 adolescents; sensation-seeking PGS OR > 1.10 for any substance/alcohol initiation; positive urgency PGS OR > 1.06 for nicotine; no significant PGS for cannabis; measured impulsivity mediated 5-9% of associations.
How the study worked
Analysis of 4,808 European-ancestry participants in the ABCD Study. Polygenic scores for five UPPS-P impulsivity domains tested against substance use initiation by age 15. Mediation models assessed whether measured child impulsivity (ages 9-11) explained PGS-substance use links.
What this study cannot tell us
Limited to European-ancestry participants. PGS capture only a fraction of genetic risk. Self-reported substance use initiation. Short follow-up (to age 15). Cannot rule out gene-environment correlation.
How to read the evidence
Large prospective cohort (ABCD Study) with validated genetic and behavioral measures, limited by European-ancestry restriction.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
Not all impulsivity is created equal. This study shows that the genetic architecture of sensation seeking specifically, rather than general impulsiveness, drives early substance experimentation. The lack of a genetic impulsivity link for cannabis specifically suggests other factors may be more important for cannabis initiation.
Questions still open
- Why did no impulsivity PGS predict cannabis initiation specifically?
- Would different genetic architectures emerge in non-European ancestry populations?
Common questions
Are some teens genetically predisposed to try substances earlier?
Does impulsivity genetics predict cannabis use?
Read the original research
Genetic influences for distinct impulsivity domains are differentially associated with early substance use initiation: Results from the ABCD Study.
Psychological medicine, 55, e313
Citation
Kinstler, Ethan; Gorelik, Aaron J; Paul, Sarah E; Aggarwal, Adamya; Johnson, Emma C; Cyders, Melissa A; Agrawal, Arpana; Bogdan, Ryan; Miller, Alex P. (2025). Genetic influences for distinct impulsivity domains are differentially associated with early substance use initiation: Results from the ABCD Study.. Psychological medicine, 55, e313. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291725101931
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