BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- If you make a habit out of drinking your cup -- or cups -- of coffee in the morning or throughout the day, you can blame your parents. New research shows that how much caffeine you crave all comes down to genetics.

The study shows that the way we drink coffee isn't just random. Two specific genes give our bodies slightly different instructions on how fast or slow to break down caffeine.

But the genes involved in breaking down caffeine also work on other chemicals in the body. So the biggest impact of the study may end up not being about coffee at all.

Chair of the genetics department at UAB Bruce Korf says this study may have far-reaching effects. "I think the most important aspect of this study is the way it looks into the future on how genetic testing can be used to guide medication therapy."