Thrive Genetics

What is included in my report?

Your personalized risk profile will provide you with information about both your genetic risk and your behavioral/environmental risk. We know that both genes and environments are critical in why some people are more at risk of developing problems than others. Importantly, neither determines whether you will develop problems, so by learning about your risk profile you can take steps to support your health and wellbeing and reduce the likelihood that you will ever experience challenges. When you complete the CARES survey we will also let you know if your current levels of use indicate that you a

How long is the survey?

The survey consists of about 40 questions that ask all about you – your current and past substance use , childhood and family experiences . It takes most people

Will this test provide a diagnosis?

No. This is not a diagnostic test. Instead, we will provide you with your risk profile, meaning that we will compare your responses to data collected from tens of thousands of individuals followed over time in research studies, and tell you what proportion of people in those studies who had risk profiles that match yours, went on to develop problems. This will give you an idea of your level of risk, and what factors contribute to your risk. But here’s the key piece: just because you are at elevated risk does not mean you are destined to develop problems. By understanding your risk factors, you

How do you collect my DNA sample?

We will ship a saliva collection kit to you. The kit contains instructions about providing your saliva sample , but basically you just spit <span class="NormalTextRun

What happens if I learn I am at higher risk?

Being at elevated risk does not mean you are destined to develop problems . B y understanding <span class="NormalTextRun S

How do you keep my information confidential?

Your results are never connected to your name. When you create a login for CARES , you are assigned a random ID number. That number is the only thing connected to your survey results and your DNA sample. Only the research team has access to the “key” that connects names and ID numbers, and it is kept separate from the survey and DNA results, on a secure server .

If I am at lower risk does it mean that I won’t ever develop problems?

No! Being at lower risk than the average person does not mean that you can never develop problems. Using substances like alcohol or other drugs frequently or in large quantities will always adversely impact <span class="

How accurate is the test? What is the science behind the platform?

It’s important to remember that this is not a diagnostic test. We will provide you with your risk profile, meaning we will help you understand how many risk factors you carry – genetic, behavioral, and environmental &#8212; that put you at elevated risk of developing problems with addiction. We compare your results to data from nearly 50,000 individuals that have participated in research studies that collected data across development. The survey consists of the items that research has shown to be most predictive of who goes on to develop problems. Your genetic risk score is based on a <a href=