Scientists have discovered a gene that is linked to the amount of alcohol a person drinks. A study of 47,000 people enabled scientists to discover that the gene, AUTS2 has to do with alcohol consumption. People who have the rare version of AUTS2 drink 5% less alcohol than those with the common version. This gene is also linked to people with autism and ADHD. Scientists say that this gene plays an important role in how much alcohol people drink and there are also other reasons why people drink alcohol. Scientists looked at donated brain tissue with the gene AUTS2 and how active it was. They found that the higher activity of AUTS2 people had, it was the gene that was linked to lower alcohol consumption. This finding will help treat people who abuse alcohol and show why people consume massive amounts. This gene has something to do with the way people feel when they drink. Some people drink to make themselves feel better after a time of difficulty and hopefully there will be more research done on this gene to help people with alcoholism.
Interesting ariticle, I happen to believe that there is a correlation between drug/alcohol abuse and the genetic make up of the person. However, there is that arguement of nature/nurture aspect and how the surroundings contribute to addiction. There are many factors that contribute to alcholism and drug addiction but more and more it is becoming evident that heredity and genetics make individuals more susceptible to this ever growing problem. -RPBIV
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article on a topic that many people have mixed feelings about. There are always them people that say alcoholism has nothing to do with genes, and the others say it has everything to do with them. I know for me it's a mix. I most definitely believe that there is a correlation between alcoholism and genetics, but if brought up away from drinking they won't have a desire to consume alcohol. These are the people that need to watch what they drink because alcohol can be highly addictive if it runs in the family.
ReplyDeleteI feel that alcoholism is both a genetic and enviromental problem. Someone may have a predisposition to alcoholism if they have this gene, however, I feel as though people that are put in an enviroment where alcohol is encouraged on a regular basis such as at a college will start to develop an alcohol problem whether or not they have the predisposition. But, I feel as though if people knew they were predisposed to drinking too much alcohol, they will stay away from it.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that their is a gene linked to alcoholism is helpful knowledge in a sense to deter potential alcoholics from drinking. If a person has prior knowledge about the ways alcohol can effect their bodies they may make more sound choices about where, when and how much alcohol they consume.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that there is a link between alcoholism and ADHD as well as autism however is a significant area that could call for more research. It was mentioned that a person with this gene will drink 5% less alcohol, it this due to disinterest, or do these factors only play environmental roles in the person decision to drink alcohol? Very interesting and informative article.
I do not at all disagree with the possibility that alcoholism has a genetic cause to it but I have to agree with gallij, that it can also be heavily related to environment. I've met a man who claimed that alcoholism ran in his family and so he veered away from alcohol completely, and I've never seen him touch a drop. I feel that if alcoholism really was part of his genetic makeup, that it would not have been as easy for him to never fall into the clutches of alcohol. Not saying that I don't believe in the genetics side of things, but maybe it just makes that person more susceptible/vulnerable to becoming an alcoholic. Very thought-provoking topic.
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