What process explains how environmental factors can affect gene expression related to substance use disorders?

The process that explains how environmental factors can affect gene expression related to substance use disorders is epigenetics. Epigenetics involves modifications that do not change the underlying DNA sequence but can influence how genes are expressed. Environmental factors, such as stress, nutrition, and exposure to drugs, can lead to changes in epigenetic markers. These markers can result in the activation or silencing of genes associated with addiction, thereby influencing an individual’s susceptibility to substance use disorders.

For instance, exposure to certain substances during critical periods of development may modify epigenetic markers, potentially leading to long-term changes in brain function and behavior. This allows researchers to understand how environmental influences can alter gene expression patterns and contribute to the complexity of substance use disorders beyond just genetic predispositions.