Individual Presentation By: Josh Milla Intro to psychology

Theory: Although alcoholism seems to affect each individuals differently, but there is a genetic predisposition for alcoholism.

Experiment 1# A study by the “Alcoholism and Drug Addiction” group at the University of Granada, was conducted led by “José Rico Irles”. Thanks to this study, researchers have revealed that the absence of endorphin is hereditary. Beta-endorphin is a type of "morphine" released by the brain in reaction to certain situations, such as pain. In a way, beta-endorphins can be considered to be a chemical used to subside pain. Researchers at the University have focused their minds on the low beta- endorphin levels in constant alcohol abusers. According “José Rico Irles”, this low beta-endorphin level determines if someone may develop into an alcoholic. When a subjects' brain with low beta-endorphin levels is used to the existence of an outside surplus, and when its own production of endorphins stops, reliance begins on the exogenous source.

Continuation of Experiment 1# Continuing the study, 200 families from the province from Granada was gathered for the study. For every family there was at least one chronic alcoholic abuser. From birth, each subject presented predetermined beta-endorphin levels. These levels were revealed to be even lower in children whose both parents were alcohol abusers. The researchers have concluded that although alcohol use does not affect all people in the same way, but the dissimilarities in endorphin levels make some subjects more susceptible to alcohol than others. Consequently, they have a higher chance to become alcohol dependent. The research yields that Beta-endorphins constitute a helpful biological indicator to identifying subjects who have a greater chance of developing alcohol abuse. Concerning the results of this research, professor Rico states “alcohol- abuse prevention must consist of locating and identifying genetically predisposed subjects."

Experiment 2# A study published in the January 2004 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research has uncovered that a person's genetic structure may increase their motivation to drink. A total of 2,529 female and 3,709 male adult twins were examined during the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. The data gathered from twin pairs were used to estimate the extent to which individual distinctions can be attributed to distinctions among people in their genetic, family and individual specific environmental causes. The researchers utilized four scales to determine individual differences in drinking purposes: drinking to relieve social anxiety, to manage mood states, in social situations, and to improve mental performance. The researchers were able to determined lifetime alcohol abuse among the study subjects through use of a prearranged interview process that used contents from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In conclusion the study concluded that twins in the study shared similar reasons as to why they had consumed alcohol. The study provides proof that one way in which genetic factors influences alcoholism is that genetic factors influence drinking motives, specifically, drinking to ease social anxiety.

Another way genetics may influence alcohol abuse is by the inheritance of mixed personality traits. Genes may play direct role in the development of alcoholism such as affecting the body’s alcoholic metabolism. Or they may play a less direct role, such as subsiding happiness within an individual making the victim prone to alcohol consumption. Studies show that alcoholism is most likely a manifestation of a heterogeneous conditions meaning a collection of different genes, each with different expressions are more likely to influence alcoholism rather than one gene alone. Overall the genetic material involved in alcoholism is far more complicated than just a single gene and or allele that dictate an individual’s outcome.

Though emotions are not always a good indicator if someone is, or is going to suffer from alcoholism, however, some of the following emotions may give off the slightest of hints. People suffering from depression, lethargy, or deep sorrow may have a higher risk of suffering from alcohol abuse. People who suffer frequent periods of anger, rage, frustration, anxiety or stress may be prone to alcoholism.

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