A
female
 ,
*inchy
writes:last year i sent a question in about my dad being sick, well he died.im going through a stage of being terrified im going to turn out like him. he was an alcoholic. iv looked it up and it says that it is genetic. am i going to turn out like him?i like going out having a drink with friends but iv only just started. i never drank for a year after he died and didnt want to turn out like him. but now that iv started drinking it turns out to be genetic. i hope this question also helps young people who are drinking heavilyhttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1561415/Father-who-drank-17-pints-a-day-dies-at-39.html
View related questions:
alcoholic Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (6 September 2008): There are supposedly genes for everything these days.But for that to work you'd have to believe that we are all nothing more than the sum of our parts. And I for one think humans are more than that.The only things genes can do are shape the way you look and perhaps, on a basic level, how you apply certain instincts.They CANNOT now, nor will they EVER control how you think or whether or not you CHOOSE to drink too much. You may have a genetic disposition towards drinking but part of what makes us human is learning to go beyond this basic programming and make our own decisions.If you know that drinking does you no good, and if you are trully serious about it, then no amount of genetic leaning towards alcoholism will have a single iota of influence. You will make the right choice.Because that is what humans are. Beings of choices. Not a computer doing only what it was programmed for.Flynn 24
A
male
reader, LazyGuy  +, writes (6 September 2008):
 So, don't drink. Alcoholism is genetic, drinking isn't.
...............................
A
female
reader, lexilou +, writes (6 September 2008):
 First of all Im sorry about you father, it cant have been an easy time for you.
Its more about being genetically predisposed to having an 'addictive' personality. But it is influenced by envronmental factors which shape you throughout your life. It doesnt mean you will definately become an alcholic. Addictions have many forms, it can be drugs, drink, obsessive behaviours etc, but you have a choice. My father is an alcholic who hasnt drunk for 20 years and Im very proud of him, he changed for his family, his mother was also an alcohlic. I too seem to have this addictive streak in me, I smoked from the age of 13, I turned to alcohol to get me through my divorce, I also get fairly obsessed with things eg I can spend hours on the computer which I find addictive. I make choices though, I limit my alchohol intake and stop before get really drunk, I gave up smoking and I make sure I have periods when I dont use the computer if I feel Im on it too often.
Alcholism also has different forms, my dad was addicted to the buzz of going to the pub and getting drunk, he didnt know when to stop and would go on a bender for days. Then he might not drink again for 6 months as it wasnt the alcohol he craved and he wasnt physically or pschyology dependent on it. I can understand this as its the social side I crave at times and whilst it worries me occasionally I feel that as long as Im aware that I seem to have an addictive personality I can control my life and change before problems arise. Live your life but stay in control and just be aware of your own behaviour x
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (6 September 2008): There is some evidence that some people are predisposed to alcoholism if there is a history of their parents being addicted.
The fact that you are aware of the problem, and are terrified the same will happen to you, indicates to me that you'll be moderate in your drinking habits. If you stick to quantities below the Department of Health's recommended daily maximum intake and don't go binge drinking you should be able to steer clear of any problems.
However, be aware that this condition creeps up on you and can catch you unawares. You'll need to drink more to get the same effect if your intention is to get drunk, and that will be the start of the slippery downward slope.
If you don't intend to get drunk there's no point in drinking alcohol. It will be a lot easier to drink soft drinks now than after you become addicted!
The answer is to drink sensibly if you must drink at all. Don't give in to peer pressure to go and get slaughtered every weekend. The binge drinking culture amongst youngsters these days will be heaping an awful lot of misery on them later in life.
...............................
A
female
reader, Marte  +, writes (6 September 2008):
 Yep there is evidence to support that there is a genetic link to alcoholism. But I think it is also habit forming. So if you are just starting out, then try not to let it develop into a habit or routine. And limit yourself to a quantity of drinks each time you go out, and space it with non alcoholic beverages. You can have just as much fun without being spastic. I think most young people do it because they are nervous or have low self esteem, so I guess it is important to learn to value yourself as a person. I know I have done some pretty stupid things when I have been younger and blotto, and if I had my time again, I would have done it differently. Alcohol can have a devastating effect on not only your life, but the life of your loved ones, and you of all people should know this from your father. You are in charge of your own destiny, you just need to decide that this is not the path you wish to choose, and disregard the actions of your peers. You know better.
...............................
|
