Is Addiction Genetic

Discussion in 'Biology & Genetics' started by Liebling, Apr 3, 2009.

  1. Liebling Doesn't Need to be Spoonfed. Valued Senior Member

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    http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/

    http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/20/TampaBay/Study_links_genetic_t.shtml

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=18991966

    http://www.tgorski.com/news_analysis/Treatment/genetics_of_addiction_confirmed (2-10-01).htm

    There seems to be plenty of evidence to suggest a genetic link to addiction, but others argue that it's purely learned behaviour and not genetic at all.

    It some people with a specific gene combination, there are higher highs and lower lows when you study their brain throughout the cycle.

    So is there a genetic tie, or is it learned?
     
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  3. river-wind Valued Senior Member

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    I vote genetic propensity with a learned aspect.

    Addictive personalities certainly seem to exist, and appear to run in families, even when kids are raised away from their genetic family. However, lifestyle can certainly train people into certain behaviors, and constant re-enforcement of those behaviors can lead to addition as well, IMO.


    My normal example for this question: A certain percentage of animals like alcohol. They percentage of humans that like alcohol as a proportion to the overall population is much higher than is any other species I'm aware of, however, all mammals and many bird species will seek out fermented fruit and get wasted now and again.

    I don't see that there is any difference in our use or abuse of alcohol as compared to the rest of the animal kingdom other than the ratio of like/don't like. As such, genetics, rather than environment is most likely the biggest factor - drunk squirrels don't learn it from their folks.
     
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  5. Saquist Banned Banned

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    It you're right but I think also that one is chemicals are capable influencing genetics with exposure and time. So this maybe a chicken and the egg syndrome.
     
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  7. John99 Banned Banned

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    personally i doubt there is any genetic predisposition for addiction. i am of the belief that every person is unique. the only way to avoid any risk of addiction is to never know what something is like.

    if you never gamble you are never going to become addicted. but kids do learn from their parents so seeing a parent addicted can definitely influence the child or it can have the opposite effect and turn the kid completely off to it. its really up to the individual imo.
     
  8. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    I wouldn't be surprised if there is such a thing as genetic predisposition for addiction. But it can't be solely genetic.
     
  9. leopold Valued Senior Member

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    how physical addiction can possibly be a learned response is beyond me.
     
  10. John99 Banned Banned

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    i think (believe) the only influence genes have are on physical appearance. anything else is perception, as in perceived to be genetic.
     
  11. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    Not true (obviously).
     
  12. John99 Banned Banned

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    why is it not true?
     
  13. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    Think about it for a while.
     
  14. CutsieMarie89 Zen Registered Senior Member

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    It's probably both. But it does seem like some people are more easily addicted to things than others. My brother has an addictive personality, once exposed to something he enjoys he can't seem to stop. Whether it was gambling, videogames, gum, candy, or soda he also has several personal habits he can't seem to shake either. My grandfather also used to behave this way getting hooked on everything he did, except as he got older it progressed to more dangerous substances such as alcohol, smoking and other drugs. Most people can take or leave things, so there must be some genetic predisposition for those who can't.
     
  15. John99 Banned Banned

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    well then i guess you are the same way.
     
  16. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    It's obvious that things such as addiction are influenced by both genetics and environment, it's not clear in what proportions though.
     
  17. John99 Banned Banned

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    it isnt obvious.
     
  18. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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    For me it is

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  19. John99 Banned Banned

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    well that is different then.
     
  20. Enmos Valued Senior Member

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  21. CutsieMarie89 Zen Registered Senior Member

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    Me? I'm not like my brother at all in his addictions. But "bear in mind" that we aren't identical twins so we only share some genetic traits not all of them, but we were raised in pretty much the same environment. Except I'm quite a bit older.
     
  22. John99 Banned Banned

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    to focus on one addiction - if drugs are available then a certain number of people will use them. has nothing to do with what grandpa did or mom did except for what the child became used to seeing and availability.
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2009
  23. John99 Banned Banned

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    Now let me throw out another curve ball. What if the addiction is positive? What if someone is addicted to their work or business or even just making money? It is viewed differently but we can still conclude that it is a compulsion. Is this genetic as well? Is there evidence of this? We call these people driven or ambitious.

    I think all humans have some sort of compulsion. Perhaps it is part of life but then some are dangerous and that is where the problem is. I think that the brain, which is the main factor here, is unique to the individual. I can admit that i may be totally off the mark here.
     

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