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Vendaval -> RE: Free heroin gives good results (6/8/2010 1:32:57 PM)
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eyesopened,
I am very sorry about your friend and her brother. That is terrible.
Addiction is in part, caused by a genetic predisposition. One branch of my family is very prone to addition and there are several alcoholics, addicts and depressives. Another part of the family comes from South East Asia and are highly allergic to alcohol, so they very rarely drink if at all.
The Genetic and Environmental Bases of Addiction
Posted by dlende on May 6, 2008
As Presented By: Reid, Takashi, Sheeva and Michael
"Modern scientific inquiries tell us that the inheritance of these addictive tendencies cannot be attributed to a single gene, as is the case for some diseases. Its transmittance is much more complicated.
For instance, genes involved in the metabolism of alcohol can be implicated in increased risk of addiction. For instance a major study found that young men who required more alcohol to experience an effect had higher rates of alcohol problems later in life. However, other genes, including those known to affect behavior and mood, are thought to be connected with addiction as well (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction). Currently, scientists point to differences in clusters of genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 15, and 16 as important in chemical dependence (Goldman Review).
Some of the most convincing evidence for a genetic susceptibility for addiction can be seen for those people who are predisposed not to become addicted. Some people, most commonly Asians, have a deficient gene for the enzyme ALDH2 which is in involved in the breakdown of alcohol. Upon consuming alcohol, these people experience a buildup of the metabolic intermediate acetaldehyde which causes nausea and is toxic to the body. Acetaldehyde also dilates blood vessels, resulting in the facial flushing that is commonly associated with the condition. Not surprisingly, these people avoid alcohol and are at a very low risk of developing dependence (CHSSC Health and Wellness)."
http://neuroanthropology.net/2008/05/06/the-genetic-and-environmental-bases-of-addiction/
quote:
ORIGINAL: eyesopened
What would be nice is to identify what makes a person an addict in the first place. How do some folks (like me) drink on occassion and enjoy a nice buzz once or twice a year and never have any need for alcohol? How do some people get addicted to a substance almost from the very first experience?
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