4+Definitions

= Key Terms: The Heredity of Alcoholism  =

Before you can better understand the heredity of alcoholism, you need to first understand the concepts that contribute to alcoholism. Here are some simplistic terms you will see throughout the research: = Genetics = Genetics is the passing of traits and characteristics from parent to offspring. Most scientists these days use a simple tool called a Punnett Square to calculate the probability of certain genetic traits to appear from the union of the parent cells. This chart is used by biologists and is a summary of every possible combination of one maternal allele with one paternal allele for each gene being studied at the cross. (Alleles are one of two or more forms of the DNA sequence of a particular gene.) In genetics, cells go through a process called meiosis which involves halving the cells. DNA is passed to the offspring through chromosomes which are equally divided as being from it's mother and father. Many traits are passed through generations and we can thank our ancestors for many of our characteristics or habits today.

=Heredity = Peter de Mauperuis said it best in 1751 when he described heredity as when "the elementary particles which form the embryo are each drawn from the corresponding structure in the parent.. so that in the offspring they will reflect and reproduce a resemblance to the parents". What he was basically saying is that heredity is the genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring. Sometimes though, discrepancies occur due to the principle of segregation. This is when an individual reproduces and their two genes for a trait - received from their mother and father respectively - are split up and end up in separate gametes. Gametes are cells that fuse with another cell during fertilization, and this is explained by the process of meiosis.

= Alcoholism = Alcoholism is a chronic disease in which your body becomes dependent on alcohol and you lose control of your drinking. You will probably not be able to control when you drink, how much you drink, or how long you continue drinking on each occasion. When you suffer from alcoholism, you continue to drink although the consequences on your health, relationships, work and finance can become irreversible. When you have a problem with alcohol but do not show all the symptoms of alcoholism, this is known as "alcohol abuse" - which means you drink far more than you should and it causes problems in your life but you are not completely dependent on alcohol. If you abuse alcohol or have alcoholism you may not be able to cut back or quit on your own. There are a number of approaches to help you recover and receive support, including medications, counselling, and self-help groups.

= NATURE = A person's nature is classified as the heredity factors that pass from one generation to the next that influence an individual's behaviour. Genetic inheritance affects a person's character in an innate way and explores one's predisposition to certain situations, achievements, skills, and traits.

= NURTURE = The environmental factors that contribute to the influences that will direct an individual's behaviour.

= BETA-ENDORPHIN =

When an individual is exposed to pain, trauma, exercise, or other forms of stress, a powerful endorphin is then released from the anterior pituitary gland as a response. A beta-endorphin contains a greater amount of analgesic potency than morphine.