Ever read this?

[KDMickey]

We in the US have bought heavily into the biological side of addictive behavior. I hate to break it to you, but there are NO irrefutable studies that indicate a genetic disposition to addiction. As such, looking at the drug itself is insufficient to indicate its level of addictive potential. Don't forget, some kids get strung out on sniffing Sharpies! The chemical only functions in combination with the behavior. Additionally, associations and expectations play a large role in how addicted we become. Most of us associate smoking with positive social interactions, drinking, a relaxing stroll, a nice break during a hard day's work, etc. And we expect our smoke breaks to be relaxing. I cannot stand the useless direction so much research seems to take in regards to these issues.

On a psychopharmacologic note, nicotine imitates acetylcholine in the brain, and its possible that this peptide functions differently in humans than in animal test subjects.

Cheers,
-Mickey

[jamie]

I hate to break it to you, but there are NO irrefutable studies that indicate a genetic disposition to addiction.

People who study adopted and separated twins would beg to disagree. In fact adopted vs. not altogether.

[KDMickey]

People who study adopted and separated twins would beg to disagree. In fact adopted vs. not altogether.

As this is tangential to the point of the discussion, I am going to mostly leave this alone. And I don't feel like going through my books and getting reference after reference. But please believe, I have spent many hours researching this topic and read both point and counterpoint.

I am not saying genetics do not play a role in addiction, but genetic determinism is just plain silly. Even height depends approximately 20% on environmental factors (early childhood diet, etc). If genetics cannot explain something as simple as height, how could it hope to encompass something as complicated as addiction?

Addiction is multiaxial. Genetic determinism attempts to override the emotional underpinnings of addictive issues.

[jamie]

I am not saying genetics do not play a role in addiction

Okay, then I misunderstood your statement "there are NO irrefutable studies that indicate a genetic disposition to addiction."

[KDMickey]

Okay, then I misunderstood your statement "there are NO irrefutable studies that indicate a genetic disposition to addiction."

Ok, sorry, that was poorly worded.

[jamie]