3.1.2 Genetics & Addiction

Question 1

what is the genetic explanation useful to explain?

Answer 1

why some people become addicted and others dont

Question 2

what does the genetic explanation say addicts are?

Answer 2

predisposed to addiction via genetic vulnerabilities

Question 3

what are first degree relatives (family studies)?

Answer 3

parents
children
siblings

Question 4

how much genetic similarity do 1st degree relatives show?

Answer 4

50%

Question 5

what are second degree relatives?

Answer 5

grandparents and grandchildren

Question 6

how much genetic similarity do second degree relatives show?

Answer 6

25%

Question 7

what are 3rd degree relatives?

Answer 7

cousins
aunties
uncles
nieces 
nephews

Question 8

how much genetic similarity do third degree relatives show?

Answer 8

12.5%

Question 9

what is the concordance rate?

Answer 9

percentage likelihood of people showing the same behaviours

Question 10

do genetics predict a positive or negative correlation of people showing the same behaviours as their relatives?

Answer 10

positive

Question 11

what is a term for identical twins?

Answer 11

monozygotic twins

Question 12

how much genetic similarity do monozygotic twins show?

Answer 12

100%

Question 13

if genetic theory is correct what concordance rate would be predicted for addiction between identical twins?

Answer 13

100%

Question 14

what do adoption studies aim to separate out?

Answer 14

effects of nature and nurture

Question 15

if genetic theory were correct what concordance rate would we predict for addiction, when biological parents are addicts and the child is adopted and raised in a non addict environment?

Answer 15

still predict a high concordance rate

Question 16

on the basis of twin studies it has been found genetic factors are involved in what?

Answer 16

a persons susceptibility to addictive substances e.g. alcohol

Question 17

we inherit different versions in some genes which results in variation in what?

Answer 17

the way some substances are metabolised

Question 18

Genes can alter levels of what chemicals?

Answer 18

neurotransmitters helping brain cells signal each other

Question 19

other genes influence aspects of behaviour such as what?

Answer 19

desire for new experiences or risk taking

Question 20

what might make an individual inherently vulnerable to addiction?

Answer 20

genes 
life
environment
susceptibility to substances due to biochemistry
behaviour patterns e.g. impulsivity

Question 21

what is the A1 variant of the DRD2 gene associated with?

Answer 21

addictive behaviours such as smoking, alcoholism and gambling

Question 22

individuals with the A1 variant of the DRD2 gene have fewer what?

Answer 22

dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic dopamine reward pathway

Question 23

how do individuals with lower dopamine receptors (DRD2) compensate for it?

Answer 23

overstimulating by engaging in addictive behaviours

Question 24

what are the ADH & ALDH linked to an increase risk of?

Answer 24

alcoholism

Question 25

what are the ADH & ALDH genes responsible for the process of?

Answer 25

how alcohol is metabolised by the body

Question 26

variation of the ADH & ALDH genes means alcohol breakdown is what?

Answer 26

much slower

Question 27

as alcohol breakdown is slower what are individuals with the ADH and ALDH genes more likely to do more?

Answer 27

drink a lot more and become addicted