The purpose of understanding the genetics of nicotine dependence is, ultimately, to change behavior and effectively treat the disorder. Therefore, research has been conducted on the genetics of smoking cessation. Because the greatest predictor of smoking cessation is nicotine dependence, a negative correlation would be expected between smoking cessation and the major SNP associated with nicotine dependence, rs16969968. The initial population-based study to assess genetic associations with smoking cessation did not find an association with rs16969968.42 However, 2 recent studies selected participants specifically targeted for smoking cessation, and both found the minor allele of rs16969968 to be significantly associated with inability to quit smoking or high likelihood of relapse.43,44 This finding suggests that rs16969968 increases the risk of nicotine dependence, and decreases the ability to quit.
