Nature vs Nurture Theory: Alcoholism

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The Nature vs Nurture Theory is one the most controversial debate topics in Psychology. This debate has been going on for years now. The Nature argument is supported by genetics and what is hereditary to a person. Psychologists who support the “nature” theory concentrate on what an individual is born with. For example, they focus on genes, DNA, personality traits and other qualities they just can’t change about themselves. Researches focusing on the results of neurotransmitters of an addict are usually conducted to further support this point. On the other hand, the Nurture argument is supported by events that have influenced a person's decision and way of living. Psychologists who support the “nurture” theory base their arguments by understanding one’s behavior. They focus on personal experiences that mold and shape a person. They also focus on how a person was raised, what and how they were educated in school, and their lifestyle. Usually, psychologists focus on influences like peer pressure and media when it comes to teenagers who turn to drugs or alcohol.
A study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism proposes that Asians or anyone who has Asian ancestry have a certain gene that makes them feel faint, nauseated, and unpleasant when alcohol is consumed. It is believed that the more you enjoy the experience of alcohol, the more you will drink and possible develop alcoholism. Well, Asians with this gene are less likely to develop alcoholism due to the fact that they won't drink as much alcohol since it isn't enjoyable.
On the other hand, another study implies that there is a gene that makes alcohol more enjoyable and pleasant. Basically how this gene works is that it enhances the feeling of pleasure ...

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... to alcohol, the harder it would be to restrain their own actions.

However, some people believe that alcoholism is developed through both nature and nurture circumstances.

However, if I were to pick a side, I would support the Nature argument. It is not right to blame your race, heritage, or your parents for your mistakes in life. Just because your parent is an alcoholic, that does not mean it is acceptable for you to follow in their footsteps and blame them for how you turned out to be. Your personal life choices determine who you are. Maybe the way you were raised, peer pressure, or media influenced you, it is still you who make your decisions. You are still able to break out of that “narrow” thinking that you are supposed to live your life the way your parents lived. Everyone has a choice, if you choose to be an alcoholic, that is on you, not on your genes.

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