Jacqueline Vink Email and Phone Number

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The objective is to contribute to the knowledge on the determinants of addictive behavior by focusing on genetic factors influencing addictive behavior and it’s interaction with the environment, the comorbidity of different addictions and the consequences for health. Recently more problems with alcohol use among both adolescents and elderly women are reported. The prevalence of cigarette smoking decreased, but new methods to inhale nicotine, like the e-cigarette and water pipe, are… Show more The objective is to contribute to the knowledge on the determinants of addictive behavior by focusing on genetic factors influencing addictive behavior and it’s interaction with the environment, the comorbidity of different addictions and the consequences for health. Recently more problems with alcohol use among both adolescents and elderly women are reported. The prevalence of cigarette smoking decreased, but new methods to inhale nicotine, like the e-cigarette and water pipe, are becoming more and more popular. And new behavioral addictions like compulsive internet use are becoming more prevalent. These observations reflect a gap in the knowledge on the etiology of addictive behaviors, which is essential for a healthy future for the population at large. The major public health threat caused by addictive behavior exists within the context of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental causes of substance use. Understanding this balance may hold the key to further reductions in the disease burden and mortality rates. My current research will contribute to this enterprise to unravel underlying mechanisms explaining individual differences in addictive behaviors with an interdisciplinary focus on genetics, environment and its complex interplay. Show less

a.o. ERC Starting grant project "Beyond the Genetics of Addiction"

Research focus:Genetics of Addiction (smoking, alcohol, cannabis)

Title thesis: “A twin-family study of smoking behavior”.

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