Is alcoholism hereditary?

[w1z4rd]

genotype+phenotype =meme right?

 

[Nerfherder]

We covered this in the "Addiction advice thread"...Some people have a genetic "defect" that increases the dopemine production and euphoric effects of Alcohol and Heroin etc...The fact that these individuals get way more enjoyment out of the substances creates a more intense craving for that "lekker" feeling and they want more and more and more and more...You get the point....

True.... but I was just saying that its not the only way you become an alcoholic.

 

[HyperBudgie]

True.... but I was just saying that its not the only way you become an alcoholic.

Brief explanation of the genetic effects of addiction:

The genetic influence on addiction results from variations that affect a protein whose production is governed by the gene.
For example, take the gene that governs the synthesis of the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1), a docking site for the neurotransmitter β-endorphin. This gene has a variant with three times the average affinity for β-endorphin. In people who carry the high-affinity variant, the pleasurable endorphin response to alcohol and heroin is much stronger than average, so they are much more susceptible to becoming substance abusers..This genetic defect can be hereditary.

I knew it had something to do with proteins in the brain....If someone was not born with this genetic abnormality and then becomes addicted to a substance they develop the defect and it remains permanent...The controlling gene is permanently altered...

 

[HyperBudgie]

genotype+phenotype =meme right?

K...Is addiction part of the evolutionary process?? Seing as evolution is a "reactionary" process causing effect that result from change in surroundings...alcohol and partying becoming more and more prevalent in human life...Is this affecting our evolution?
If so can evolution have a detrimental affect on a species?

 

[w1z4rd]

K...Is addiction part of the evolutionary process?? Seing as evolution is a "reactionary" process causing effect that result from change in surroundings...alcohol and partying becoming more and more prevalent in human life...Is this affecting our evolution?
If so can evolution have a detrimental affect on a species?

No doubt addiction did help us otherwise it would not be a trait in us still. If addiction becomes too much of a problem, then that population group will suffer and over time breed out. Cancer and virus`s also effect our evolution

 

[HyperBudgie]

No doubt addiction did help us otherwise it would not be a trait in us still. If addiction becomes too much of a problem, then that population group will suffer and over time breed out. Cancer and virus`s also effect our evolution

Always an answer...I guess Addiction (which usually results in death or jail - either option removes the person from society) could be considered natural selection...

 

[w1z4rd]

Always an answer...I guess Addiction (which usually results in death or jail - either option removes the person from society) could be considered natural selection...

It was a half answer. I dont know why we would need the gene, we have it, so I assume it has some or has been of some use to us.

 

[HyperBudgie]

It was a half answer. I dont know why we would need the gene, we have it, so I assume it has some or has been of some use to us.

It's use is to aid the species as a whole by improving the economic growth of the alcohol industry and creating jobs as well as aiding the poor Nigerians in supporting their poverty stricken famillies back home..

 

[scotty777]

It's use is to aid the species as a whole by improving the economic growth of the alcohol industry and creating jobs as well as aiding the poor Nigerians in supporting their poverty stricken famillies back home..

or maybe it's due to some other reason?

I mean, Humans have only been living in urban environments for a short while on the time continuum, so I doubt it's that .

But my thinking is that people with addictive genes tend to be more habbit orientated... So think back 4000 years ago, the guys that went out, found water, brought it back to the cave, then went to a specific area, hunted, then brought the meat back to the cave clearly lived a more "safe" life then the guys that explored new areas and what not.

 

[krycor]

I think..

1. tolerance level for it will be higher down generations
2. acceptability of drinking a lot is what causes it(i.e. if your don't ever drink or appear drunk around kid, drinking tendancy will be lessened -<- you have to account for 'social' influence)

Point 2 is a important factor, so is people who actively monitor themselves. There is of cause psychological thing which people say can be hereditary but for particular substance .. no idea. What does however happen is that alcohol is a socially acceptable drug/intoxicant and point 1 kicks in..

 

[Picard]

All I know is ... I pity teetotalers.

Cheers.

 

[Vinia]

I think its passed down by behavioural & observational means, more than via genes. So I think its Nurture vs Nature here. I think if it were really hereditary like heart conditions then without fail everyone who had alchie parents would be an alchie too. But that's simply not the case.

In homes where there is an alcoholic parent, domestic violence, terrible money management, child abuse etc only SOME of those children grow up to repeat that behaviour. That indicates its not hard-wired into genes. I think definitely psychological problems that make people prone to abuse alcohol, drugs & be violent are hereditary. But I don't see the evolutionary or biological function/cause of having a specific genetic weakness to alcohol abuse.

This genetics excuse is just that - an excuse. Its more productive to look at the psychological causes behind the alcoholism and deal with that.

 

[HyperBudgie]

I think its passed down by behavioural & observational means, more than via genes. So I think its Nurture vs Nature here. I think if it were really hereditary like heart conditions then without fail everyone who had alchie parents would be an alchie too. But that's simply not the case.

In homes where there is an alcoholic parent, domestic violence, terrible money management, child abuse etc only SOME of those children grow up to repeat that behaviour. That indicates its not hard-wired into genes. I think definitely psychological problems that make people prone to abuse alcohol, drugs & be violent are hereditary. But I don't see the evolutionary or biological function/cause of having a specific genetic weakness to alcohol abuse.

This genetics excuse is just that - an excuse. Its more productive to look at the psychological causes behind the alcoholism and deal with that.

You a therapist by any chance?

 

[Sackboy]

or maybe it's due to some other reason?

I mean, Humans have only been living in urban environments for a short while on the time continuum, so I doubt it's that .

But my thinking is that people with addictive genes tend to be more habbit orientated... So think back 4000 years ago, the guys that went out, found water, brought it back to the cave, then went to a specific area, hunted, then brought the meat back to the cave clearly lived a more "safe" life then the guys that explored new areas and what not.

There are certain communities who physically cannot handle alcohol. The Native American Indians for starters. It explains why they are experiencing such a problem

 

[HyperBudgie]

There are certain communities who physically cannot handle alcohol. The Native American Indians for starters. It explains why they are experiencing such a problem

It's because they never had alcohol for centuries until the white man came along...They did have mescaline though.....