Genetics may determine whether you enjoy your first puff on a cigarette and whether you become addicted to nicotine.
Scientists from the University of Michigan said a gene variant was found more often in people who got a “buzz” from their first cigarette.
They were also more likely to become regular smokers.
The research could help develop anti-smoking drugs.
Scientists hoped to make it easier for people to quit smoking, or stop them starting, by cracking the genetic secrets of nicotine addiction.
The gene CHRNA5 has been highlighted by other studies into nicotine addiction and it could increase a smoker’s chances of developing lung cancer.
The research suggested that the gene’s influence began from the first puff. Genetic data was taken from 435 volunteers – some who were regular smokers and some who had tried cigarettes but weren’t currently smokers.
Regular smokers were far more likely to have the variant version to the gene and more likely to enjoy their first cigarette.
For people who have a certain genetic make-up, the initial physical reaction to smoking can play a significant role in determining what happens next.
If smoking is sustained, nicotine addiction can occur in a few days to a few months.
The finding of a genetic association with pleasurable early smoking experiences may help explain how people get addicted.
The study was interesting but any treatments based on the gene variant would be some way off.