Alcoholism Heredity - Essay Example

Alcoholism Heredity Many aspects of the human characteristics are largely determined genetically. Researchers have for long tried to determine the dimensions that are determined by the genetic traits and are subjects to the influences of the environment. This includes the thoughts of individual, acts and feelings. The degree of genetic determination varies from one person to another and from one dimension to another. This topic has been of discussion for a long tome now. The question about the heredity of alcohol has disturbed many researchers and scientists for a long time now. Like all other mental disorders, dependency on alcohol has several causes, and it is not directly passed from one generation to the subsequent generations through genes. However, it occurs due to a complex group of physiological, genetic and environmental factors. There are effects that are associated with the consumption or the addiction to alcohol especially when consumed in excess quantities affects men, children and women differently. The elderly and women have higher blood concentration of alcohol when compared to the levels found in young men and women who drink the same quantity. The elderly people who consume alcohol in large quantities face much more diverse effects, many doctor visits, serious illnesses and symptoms of depression. The consumption of alcohol is under the influence of environmental and biological factors. Addiction to alcohol tends to run among many families, and it is known that genetics play significant roles in the process. In resent years, research has proven that the people, who have alcoholic parents, are more likely to later in life develop the same disorder themselves than those who have non-alcoholic parents. The research has also interestingly discovered that men have greater proximity toward alcohol than women do (Collins et al 67). Research has indicated that individuals who have low inhibitor levels in their system are at greater risk of becoming alcohol addicts. The two main characteristics of alcohol addiction root from having an immediate member of the family, who is addicted to alcohol and the second is a high-risk personality. This person has lower inhibition levels in the system, but thrives on the taking of risks when any chance presents itself. When an individual is from a family that has one or more alcoholics, and he or she loves the taking of risks, then the individual should realize that they are at high risks or developing to become alcoholics (Begleiter & Benjamin 56). Studies carried out recently have shown that genetics play significant roles in the development of alcoholism. However, the exact genes that are responsible for the diction to alcohol have not yet been found. Now scientists believe that the genetic tendency towards alcoholism in an individual does not ensure that the individual will become an alcoholic, but they believe that the genes contribute to the quick and intense effect of the consumption of alcohol by these individuals. The determination of the genetic risk is just a high-risk determination of addiction and not necessarily a fact of future alcoholism (Begleiter & Benjamin 56). In the year 1990, a gene was discovered called the DRD2 gene. This was the first gene that has been proven to have a like to the effects and the outcomes of alcohol consumption in humans. Considering how this gene works, an individual who possesses this gene, has a much greater pull towards the effects experienced after alcohol consumption when compared to someone who lacks the gene. However, the presence of the gene does not mean that the person is or will become an alcoholic (Pratt 37). Researchers and scientists who are trying to find a connection between consumption and addiction to alcohol with the genetic structure of an individual, have conducted many studies on twins, families and adopted children. They have proven that if nonalcoholic children bring up the children of alcoholic parents, they can sill turn to alcoholism. The studies and research showed that children of nonalcoholic parents, who are raised by alcoholics, did not turn to alcohol addicts. This shows the crucial role that is played by genetics in alcoholism (Pratt 37). Other research studies have shown that the environment in which a child is brought up in, determines if the child will become an alcohol addict in life or not. If a member of the family is an alcoholic, then the family is always in chaos, conflict and tension. If a parent is an alcoholic, he or she might be facing some physiological problems that will affect the upbringing of the child. This could lead to the development of emotional and mental problems that will contribute an immense deal to the child finally becoming an alcohol addict. The studies have also shown a strong link between the addiction to alcohol and antisocial behavior. It has been said that the people who buy nature are rebellious, tend to do acts that are not considered ethical by the society. These people are most likely to become alcohol addicts, and some also become alcoholism to overcome some significant problems in tier individual lives (Collins et al 67). It would be useful if scientists and researchers could find the link between alcoholism and the genetic structure on an individual in the following ways (Kim 45); 1. If the gene exists, then it would be possible to tell those individuals who are at risk. This will aid the researchers and the warning and counseling of these individuals. 2. The identification of a link between genetics and alcoholism will enable use to understand the environmental factors that affect alcoholism mush better. 3. The results could also aid us in the better understanding of the alcoholism disease and maybe will even lead to the identification of a cure of the disorder! The urgent desire, in the researchers and scientists, to find gene responsible for alcoholism is due to the urgent need to help the people, who are at high risk early in life. It is believed that these people can be helped to prevent their becoming alcoholics. It has been proven that such people should never get to know the taste of alcohol. However, due to increased drinking in young children, their young ages, it has not been possible to stop them before they discover their genetic tendency towards the disorder. If this could be possible identified at an early age, then the children will be raised understand that when taking alcohol for the first time, could eventually lead them down the road of alcoholism and this could help in the reduction of the future number of alcoholics (Collins et al 67). Regardless of the genetic factors in play that help in the attain ace of alcoholism, this is still a conscious decision that one can make to get drunk or to avoid alcohol completely. Some people have said that an individual with a genetic predisposition towards alcoholism becomes an alcoholic a birth regardless of the fact that the individual might not have taken a drink. After the consumption of alcohol, the disorder is elevated into an active phase, and the ability to stop consumption of alcohol, lies in the hands of the drinker (Begleiter & Benjamin 56). Conclusion Individuals born into families, which have a long history of alcoholism, should be aware of the steps that can be taken to prevent them from becoming alcoholics. This people should avoid consumption of alcohol at all costs. This would be a lot easier when the individuals reject alcohol from an early age. If the individuals consume alcohol s social drinkers, then they should take a lot of care not to develop into alcohol addicts. The research that has been carried out by scientists has shown that there is a substantial connection between the environmental and genetic factors in the development of alcoholism. However, it cannot be said that only genetics and the environmental factors are responsible for alcohol addition. Though these factors play vita roles in the development of the disorder, it is a person’s inner ability and strength that determine if the person will turn into an alcoholic or not. Works cited Begleiter H, Benjamin K. The genetics of alcoholism. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print Collins R. L., Kenneth E. L, & John S. S. Alcohol and the family : research and clinical perspectives. New York: Guilford Press, 2005. Print Kim Y. Handbook of behavioral genetics. New York: Springer New York, 2008. Print Krasner N. Alcohol related problems. Chicheste: Wiley, 2006. Print Pratt W. M. Environmental and Biological Factors Affecting Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Alcohol Dependent Individuals. INdiana: ProQuest, 2007. Print Read More