[quote=Rustico]ZK, Please show me links to studies which show that the genetic issue is unequivocally decided to the extent that the gene for “alcoholism” is uncovered.In my book prima facie doesn’t count. Even the identical twin studies are not conclusive. There are several problems, but the correlation can be explained by the fact that identical twins are likely to relate more exactly to the alcoholic teacher in the family than non physically identical twins because parents treat kids differently based on appearance.How they are treated relates to how the imitate the model. Either way none of it leads to a direct hit on a gene.
Furthermore show me proof that the millions of alcoholics have a gene that specifically determines that the weapon of their self destruction will be alcohol. Would they be fine if alcohol didn’t exists?
The disease issue is interesting, does the anorexic, bulimic, or alcoholic who has the issue to deal with but regains mostly healthy habits have a weaker gene for these diseases than the ones that don’t and who die miserably?
It just doesn’t add up.[/quote]
Even though some may portray it that way, It’s not quite that simple. If I read you correctly you are irritated at the idea genetic determinism? Meaning that genes equal things that can’t be changed or things that are inevitable and we should not waste energies on trying to fix? Most complex conditions my have a genetic component but that is just one small component of a much more complex picture with a myriad of influences. The fact is genes give us different ways of dealing with our environment and are not just some program of behavior. Saying it’s genetic is kind of a dangerous line of thinking in a lot of ways. The more appropriate way to articulate genetic contributions to any type of behavior or condition is: There is a genetic contribution to how an organism responds to environment and genes may influence the readiness of the way this organism will deal with a certain environmental challenges.
It’s been shown in studies that prenatal stress will produce a higher level of susceptibility to addictions, along with genetic modifications due to the stress. Actually prenatal stress causes a host of psychological conditions. Same as severe abuse as a child. So, it’s not quite a simple “it’s in the genes” answer as some would indicate. Conversely, saying genetic contributions to behaviors are not present is equally false. Also, given a proper healthy environment, genetic contributions to negative behaviors probably won’t manifest.
