The genetic and biological model posits a genetic predisposition to alcohol or drug addiction. The theories advocate that brain chemistry, brain structure, and genetic abnormalities cause behavioral addiction. A number of studies have suggested that alcohol or drug addiction is the result of a genetic or induced biological abnormality of a physiological, structural, or chemical nature. Adoption studies also suggest a strong genetic tendency towards the development of alcohol use disorder. Children whose adopted parents were dependent on alcohol were more likely themselves to develop a problem with alcohol, though their biological parents were not dependent on alcohol
One aspect of inheritance that is understood is that amongst members of particular races. Eskimos, American Indians, and Asians, for example, are all genetically predisposed to have a deficiency in the production of acetaldehyde, an enzyme important for alcohol degradation. These groups are hypersensitive to the effects of alcohol and once higher levels of alcohol are reached in their bodily system. The lack of these enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase) makes it more difficult to metabolise alcohol causing it to accumulate faster in a person’s system and does not allow the alcohol to break down as quickly.
1. Discuss studies and research of the important initial work on the topic of alcoholism and the role of genetics.
2. Evaluate the current research and the biological differences between those who are prone to develop alcohol dependence and those who are not.
3. Assess the extent to which alcohol dependence does or does not run in families.
4. Examine the relationship of alcoholism to gender, racial/ethnic, and religion.
