2+Development+of+Alcoholism

For years researchers have been trying to distinguish what causes alcoholism. The development of alcohol addiction can be argued between nature vs. nurture. Through extensive research, it seems as though an individual's genetics and the environment in which they are raised may increase their chances of becoming dependent upon alcohol.

Nature
There are theories that stress the role of heredity, as it biologically predetermines patterns of behaviour. The work of behavioural geneticists who study these effects of heredity in behaviour and evolutionary psychologists who identify behaviour patterns that result from our genetic inheritance, have influenced developmental psychologists. ( Feldman R.S./ Dinardo A. 2009 pg.332) Focusing on the nature aspects of why someone may become an alcoholic is important because it helps researchers understand which individuals are at a higher risk for developing the addiction and how it can be prevented. A research study done by the University of Granda came to prove that there is no specific reason why an individual may become an alcoholic. However, the University of Granda was able to prove that a lack of endorphins can be passed on through generations, and that may lead to a genetic cause as to why an individual may become addicted to alcohol. Their investigations have shown that an individual's lack of endorphins is genetically passed on from their mother or father. This is a kind of morphine better known as a "beta-endorphin". It is released by the brain as a response to help numb or dull any pain. Alcohol can affect people in many different ways, the variations of endorphin levels make some people a lot more vulnerable to alcohol. Thus, low beta-endorphin levels found in an individual can help determine whether or not he/she may become dependent on alcohol. Researchers use many different ways to predict the feelings of alcoholism, but they have all concluded that they have not yet identified a single gene to cause this addiction.

The Investigations of Twins and Adopted Children to Determine the Heredity of Alcoholism
Studies involving adopted children and twins help argue that an individual's genetic makeup has a strong influence on their alcohol dependency. Many studies have been done that follow children whose biological parents have an alcohol addiction. Researchers have found that although these children were not exposed to excessive alcohol consumption by their adoptive parents, they still have a higher risk of becoming alcoholics in comparison to other children.

There was a research study conducted in Sweden that consisted of two sets of twins from different families. The two sets of twins were split up and adopted by different parents; this was done when the twins were children. The twins that had been exposed to alcohol by their adoptive parents had had a slightly higher chance of being addicted to alcohol when those individuals were older. The twin whose birth father who was an alcoholic had a dramatically higher chance of developing an addiction to alcohol even though the presence of alcohol could have been non-existent in their adoptive families. “Twins and adoption studies have shown that alcoholism definitely has a genetic component. In the 1990’s Blum, et al. proposed an association between Al Allele of the DRD2 gene, and alcoholism. The DRD2 gone is the first candidate gene that has show promise of an association with alcoholism. (Gordis et al, 1990)

Nurture
Alcoholism heredity is not the only factor that plays a role in an individual's vulnerability to alcohol. Relationships, peer pressure, emotional events, permissive parents and easy access to alcohol are all part of the environmental factors which help to increase alcoholism. When a child is constantly exposed to excessive drinking and lives in an unstable environment they can begin to develop stress and depression. Being surrounded by alcohol on a constant basis, children begin to think that alcohol is an appropriate way to deal with their problems. Parenting style can play a big role in shaping a child and their future social competences. According to Diana Baumrind, children of permissive parents tend to portray a sense of immaturity, moodiness, dependence and low self control. Their disposition to be dependent puts them at a higher risk for developing alcoholism.

Although these studies provide clear evidence for a genetic influence, most children of alcohol abusers do not become alcohol dependent - but they do have a statistically greater risk of doing so. (Hart C.L./Ksir C. /Ray O. 2009) Although children of alcoholic parents are at a higher risk of developing the addiction, not all of them necessarily will. It is important to recognize that children of non-alcoholic parents may also develop a dependency on alcohol despite their genetic makeup.

Here is a video showing the relevance of how kids mock their parents in their environment:

media type="youtube" key="tLUfvfIu1UY?fs=1" height="385" width="480"