Evaluation: Addiction Genes Flashcards
Kenneth Kendler and Carol Prescott (1998)
Interviewed nearly 2000 twins and found that wether or not the person became addicted was more dependent on genetic factors.
What is wrong with saying there is a ‘gene’ for addiction?
The range of different genes that have been linked to addiction means we cannot simply say there is a ‘gene’ for addiction.
How are biological explanations determinist?
Reduce the amount of blame placed on the addict themselves by taking a determinist view and suggesting that the addict could not have controlled their addiction.
What were the concordance rates in Kenneth Kendler and Carol Prescott’s study in 1998
Concordance rates for cocaine INITIATION in MZ twins was 54% and for DZ twins it was 42%. HOWEVER, concordance rates for DEPENDANCE were MZ 35% and DZ 0%, suggesting greater role for genetics in addictions.
Shamisdeen Ojelade et al. (2015)
Found that when a gene called Rsu1 was not functioning properly in fruit flies it would lower sensitivity to alcohol, this relationship was then found in humans.
What is the issue with the biological explanation being determinist?
If an individual sees their addiction as an unstoppable consequence of their genetic make-up, they may be less likely to take responsibility for their own recovery.
