Genetic Explanations of Addiction

Question 1

Give a brief overview of the genetic explanation of addiction.

Answer 1

Addiction may be influneced by genes

Question 2

Give the key points of Donald Goodwin et al. (1973) study.

Answer 2

Adopted children with at least one biological alcohol-addicted parent were very likely to show signs of alcohol-addiction too

Question 3

Explain the role of the DDR2 gene in addiction.

Answer 3

Many addictions have been linked to a variation of DDR2 gene called A1.

• May affect the way the brain reacts to pleasurable activities

Question 4

What are two strengths of the genetic explanation?

Answer 4

1. Scientific evidence supports it.
   - Twin and adoption studies are controls for possible factors in the development of addiction, which makes genes a more likely explanation than others.
2. Explains why only some develop addiction.
   - Some engage in addictive activities and find it easy to stop and start.
   - Helps society to be more understanding of addicts, b/c if its genetic then they cannot help the way they behave.

Question 5

What are two weaknesses of the genetic explanation?

Answer 5

1. Reductionist b/c it doesn’t account for social influence.
   - many MZ twins in Carmelli et al’s study would have shared the same environment, which might be a factor in their smoking addiction.
2. Research hasn’t found an individual gene that could explain addiction, which makes pinpointing the exact cause of addiction difficult.
   - The DDR2 A1 gene has been also been linked to autism but is very different to addiction.
   - It id unclear exactly what gene relates to and causes addiction.