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Genetics and Addiction
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Genetics and Addiction
There is a consensus in the literature that addiction tends to run in the family. To concretize the debate, the new NIDA initiative that focused on the vulnerability to the addition of drugs noted that just like in other chronic diseases, genetics play crucial factors in the abuse of drugs (Stocker, 1999). The central focus of the finding is that shared familial beliefs on addiction are likely to shape a child’s inclination towards addiction. Reviewing subsequent and more recent literature, Lott (2006) is in tandem with earlier studies that genetics influence addiction. Advancing the debate from the 16th meeting of the American Academy of Addition, Lott (2006) clarifies that indeed, genetics and environment are factors that influence conditioning of behaviors towards substance abuse. From these studies, many hypotheses regarding genetics and addiction, and substance abuse appear to be well-defined and evidence-based. Nonetheless, there is a gap in knowledge regarding genetics, addiction, and human autonomy.
Approaches to understanding human autonomy are demanding since addiction is inherently incompatible with self-determination. Studies have equated addiction with powerlessness, loss of control and unmanageability (Birch, 2004). The hypothesis that needs to be developed must first, shift away from the debate on genetics and addiction. Some choices that addicts make may be more or less autonomous than other choices.

Applying this argument to addictive acts people have, the question that needs an answer is not whether or not people with addiction disorders use substances non-autonomously, but rather, how much they are exemplified of autonomy in the use of drugs. Within the framework of these criteria, every person addicted included, finds herself/himself somewhere on the continuum between non-autonomous or fully autonomous; perhaps much closer to the former end of the continuum. Lott (2006) supports this view arguing that while addictions behaviors can be inherited, autonomy, on the other hand, is the determining factor that even the most addicted possess.
Half of someone’s susceptibility to substance addiction is inherited, while the rest is “the product of people’s environment—including family pressure, neighborhood, and peers” (Birch, 2004, p. 2). The most well-known critic of Birch’s findings is whether people can be entirely in control of their behaviors especially when addiction and autonomy are to balance the argument. It seems, therefore, that there is a need to qualify the connectedness between one being in total control of their behaviors and addiction. Addiction does something about one’s behavior, and it is imperative to agree that although our arguments differ slightly with Birch (2004), it is not evidence-based to argue that addiction affects behavior control. At least, addicts will be sober at some point, therefore, capable of rational thoughts. This conclusion rejects Lott (2006) behavioral hypothesis that addicts lack personal control. We argue that substance-oriented desires seem to be strong and thus, with commonly occurring appetitive desires, addicts can help modify their behavioral approaches. Consequently, choices and responsibilities are inherent in one’s ability to take control of their behaviors. An addict’s supposed desire to engage in harmful behaviors should not be construed as evidence that they can neither make choices nor be responsible. With the debate on addiction and genetic inheritance, there is a gap in knowledge when one tries to understand whether people are shaped by their upbringing or as a result of biological influence. In as much as genetics is a critical factor in the development of addiction, environment plays a critical role as a risk factor.

References
Birch, D. (2004, February 24) Wired But Why? (1994, February 5). Retrieved from http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-02-24/news/0602240012_1_addiction-drug-users-drug-abuseStocker, S. (1999, March 1). New NIDA Initiative Focuses on Vulnerability to Drug Addiction. Retrieved from https://archives.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/1999/03/new-nida-initiative-focuses-vulnerability-to-drug-addictionLott, D. (2006, January 12). 16th Meeting of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/520560_2