GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ADDICTION
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Apart from the many things addiction is mistaken for—a mental disorder, moral incapacity and the like—it is disregarded for what it truly is: a disease. The belief, nature vs. nurture has a lot to do with the development of addiction, in which case its treatment as a disease greatly affects its cure. The nature part of the argument stems from the variables beyond an individual’s control, the genes that undergo natural processes. What the majority focuses on is the nurture side, as it distinctly points to external factors that led the addict down the rabbit hole. This includes environmental triggers like socioeconomic status, peer-to-peer relations and coping skills.
This study, however, focuses on the factors beyond control and how they define addiction as a disease.
GENETICS IN ADDICTION Dr. Glen Hanson of Utah’s Genetic Science Learning Center says, “Susceptibility does not mean inevitability. Just because you are prone to addiction doesn’t mean you’re going to be addicted, It just means you’ve got to be careful.” 50% of the reason addiction occurs is because of genetic predisposition and 50% goes to the lack of effective coping skills. Susceptibility to addiction stems from genetics that parents are responsible for. Therefore, the role of family history is important in identifying and curing the disease.
A study that included 861 pairs of identical twins and 653 pairs of fraternal twins support the link between addiction and genes. It showed when one identical twin is addicted to alcohol, there is a higher likelihood for the other twin to be addicted as well. However, if a non-identical twin is addicted to alcohol, the other did not necessarily have the disease. The differences among the groups of twins showed that 50-60% of addiction is because of genetic factors.
Moreover, it was found that children of addicts are 8 times more likely to suffer from the disease. This is mainly because the repeated use and intake of drugs or alcohol rewires the brain; therefore, affecting the body’s genetic makeup, as more pathways in the brain that trigger hormone production is modified, the more the body will adjust to it.
FINDING THE TREATMENT Genes do not dictate an individual’s fate. But strengthening the need for substance abuse by neglecting one’s susceptibility is bad. There are treatments that involve healing of an individual that offer a holistic process and cure. This approach focuses on the individual’s understanding of the disease along with the journey and its effects on the family.
Sources: http://www.renaissanceoutpatient.com http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/06/genes-addict.aspx http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/is-addiction-a-disease.htm