Wednesday, February 23, 2011

.: The Addiction Gene



When someone hears the word addiction, most people refer the word to how frequent one indulges in their addiction.  There are many forms of addiction such as drugs, sex, or the internet. People do not realize that they can be addicted even if it's not a constant occurrence.  The true definition of addiction is a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences.

The idea that boggles me is the fact that certain people are more predisposed to addiction if they have the addiction gene running through their family.  I'm a big fan of Loveline, a national radio show where people call in to seek help and advice, and every addict who calls in reveals that their family members are struggling the same issues.  Now I'm not just basing the addiction gene theory just from the radio show, because it has been scientifically proven that the gene exists from respectable scientists.

In my personal life, I feel the effect of the gene running through my bloodline.  My family is known to have an addictive past and I have struggled through some addictions where it has resulted in major consequences in my life.  Having the addiction gene does not mean you will become an addict regardless of what you do, but if your family history shows an addictive past, I would advise you to be cautious.

To anyone who is facing difficulties with their addiction issues, don't lose hope.  A friend of mine had been addicted to cigarettes and weed since he was 9 and has finally overcome his addiction through dedication and weaning it off slowly. Acknowledge the problem before its too late and don't be scared to ask for support from your loved ones.
Posted by synoptixs at 4:31 PM
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65 comments:

  1. l33 v4n cl33fFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    intersting read :)genes everywhere

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  2. Astronomy PirateFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    It's all about dopamine

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  3. Give EverythingFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    genes and genes and genes we are a fucking computer

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  4. Archon6February 23, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    We really are a computer in a way. Chemicals.

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  5. UnknownFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Addictions could be drugs, sex, alcohol, religion, anything. I was addicted to video games a few years back. It cost me a lot of dear things. Everything, even good things, need to be in moderation.

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  6. MrJosephFebruary 23, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    We need addiction to be good at things in life, sometimes there bad addictions sometimes there good.

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  7. Kicking RocksFebruary 23, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Most addictions are bad...

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  8. A.February 23, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Love that youre in depth with this, will be reading from now on!

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  9. KindrosFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    I miss loveline. Ashlynn Brooke was just on there too. :(

    Like anything, moderation is key.

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  10. AhyFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I wish the human could block certain brain functions at will!

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  11. MattFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Great post. Definitely being aware of addiction helps to fight the pull of the addiction gene, or so I've experienced.

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  12. HillDogFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    I think that addiction is just a psychological thing. Our upbringing is way makes us susceptible to stop. Like if you always get what you want on a superficial level, the lower levels of your psyche is also weak to being controlled.

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  13. JcacheFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Im with HillDog, Ive done many things for extended periods of time that are considered "highly addictive" and even after extended use (years+) I could stop on a whim and go just as long without it.

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  14. Con QuesoFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Addiction is a scary thing. glad your friend was strong enough to break from it.

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  15. UnknownFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Addiction is a very abstract thing. People can be addicted to almost anything. Thank you for this post, it is very informative.

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  16. Electric AddictFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    I definitely have this gene. Thanks for the info!

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  17. FrostyFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    I'd say I definitely don't have the gene. I have absolutely no trouble quitting anything that a lot of people consider habit forming. I'd say because of it I have a harder stance towards people that blame an addiction for something because I don't know what it's like myself

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  18. Aaron M. GipsonFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    I don't know if I have this gene, because I do love to indulge but go long stretches of doing nothing but studying and working. Who knows? Thank you for the information though, it was very thoughtfully written...

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  19. AnonymouseFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    cool blog, now following

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  20. Ashton ChaseFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Interesting post, I was unaware there was such a thing as an addiction gene. You just need to remember most things are great in moderation, but almost everything is bad in over indulgence.

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  21. GalfrazFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    Some people get all the luck it seems and not have addiction run in the family.

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  22. QfalkFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    Really interesting stuff, good post

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  23. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    Looks like we all have it and can't really control it.

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  24. TenkoFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    I have friends who have addictions. I also watch A&E intervention. What I see on that show is pretty scary.

    Cool blog, I will follow you =)

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  25. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    I have a friend with a meth addiction. I'm addicted to TV and video games.

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  26. ChuckFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    I overcame an online game addiction after seeing what it did to my friend.

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  27. Patti D.February 24, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    wait, addicted to week since 9? that is insane!

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  28. PekkaKFebruary 24, 2011 at 3:14 AM

    Fucking genes I hate you!

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  29. Igneel21February 24, 2011 at 3:14 AM

    now that you say it, ive never tho it like that, i normally act like a normal mindcloses person and go instantly to bad addictions

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  30. TastyFebruary 24, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    Quit smoking cigarettes like fourteen months ago.

    Next on my list? Drinking. :)

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  31. metaphysicalfarmsFebruary 24, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    I've got the gene too and I think knowing about it is the first step to defeating it. I've watched myself like a hawk to make sure I don't become to comfortable in my indulgences (whatever they might be). I've been good so far!!!

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  32. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    Very nice blog. Most people don't know how closely genes are related to addiction.

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  33. D.February 24, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Im happy I dont have that gene

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  34. Something ConcupiscibleFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    People with addictions should ask for help. It can be tough though.

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  35. CarlFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    That's really interesting. I think in this day and age, anything really can become addicting.

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  36. diceyshortstoriesFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    The wonders of biochemistry and the fraction of things we think we know. :)

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  37. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    addiction can be a good thing though, just depends on the persons disipline

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  38. jopjopjopFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    everything can be addictive ... even sport

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  39. Epic FitnessFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I am fairly sure that I am addicted to caffeine and sex.

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  40. Binary SoulFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Pretty complicated subject

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  41. ThingsIThinkAboutFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    I find myself with some addictive tendencies sometimes, but I don't think I would ever get so bad that I'd need professional help. I've never heard of an 'addiction gene' before. Really interesting.

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  42. LexingtonianFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Yep, addiction gene is hereditary, too.

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  43. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Anything can be addictive...which leads me to believe there is a strong psychological addiction, not just physical.

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  44. tgquagmireFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    this was very interesting

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  45. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    My father is addicted to cigarettes and loves alcohol (not an alcoholic in the sense that it's really damaging) and the same applies to me. I'm struggling to quit smoking and I love alcohol. Now that I think about it, we also both like pretty women, but that goes for all mankind I guess.

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  46. RahmanFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Alcohol and tobacco are more serious concerns,because the addiction isn`t only psychological,but also physiological.
    Quitting WoW can be hard,but quitting smoking can be a real bitch.

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  47. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Addiction is a scary thing.

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  48. BrendanFebruary 24, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    awesome thanks for sharing

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  49. ♕February 24, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    thank you :)

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  50. The GameFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Im a bit sceptical about this theory, or whatever it is, coz it's all up to you if you become an addict, because, there wasn't an addict gene all the time, it had to get started somewhere...

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  51. shOrtyx1February 24, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    i am an addict... :(

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  52. Paranormal ExplorerFebruary 24, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    I'm addicted to sex, smoking, gaming, the internet, sugar, alcohol and lazyness. No hard drugs though thankfully.

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  53. ShutterbugFebruary 24, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    I've seen a lot of people die from their addictions over the years...

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  54. Nik MekeenaFebruary 24, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    great post, keep up the good work

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  55. rndmg123February 24, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    im addicted to blogging...ugh

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  56. ScottFebruary 24, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    I think I'm addicted to the computer/internet. Can't get off the damn thing half the time!

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  57. ReeceFebruary 24, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Interesting post, added you to my morning coffee. Thanks for the great post!

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  58. EpitomeofStrangeFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Addiction is so cruel and hard to overcome. I applaud anyone who can admit a problem and give up/regulate what the addiction is.

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  59. ShowtekFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    genes, cruel game

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  60. Guys I'm Freaking Out!!!February 24, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Meh, I think it's nature more than nurture.

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  61. -inastateofblueFebruary 27, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Interesting blog. Addictions are a terrible thing, you start to lose everything else to them..
    Hmm keep it up (the blog), I'll be following

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  62. BobbyFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    It's really hard for me to get addicted to anything

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  63. EpitomeofStrangeMarch 3, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    I have addictions but i think i am fairly in control still. Love though.. try and beat that addiction

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  64. TenkoMarch 4, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    I think we can't entirely blame genes for addiction. Environment plays an amazingly significant role in determining probability for addictive personalities. For example, a person who grows up in a broken abusive family would be more prone to drug use just because of the trauma he/she incurred via the environment.

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  65. wolvzMarch 6, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    i'm addicted to cigarettes... i wish i never smoked my first one.

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