Stanton Peele study reveals addiction is NOT genetically inherited.

avogadno's picture
Submitted by avogadno on Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:15

Study Reveals Addictive Behaviors Are Not Genetically Inherited

"NEW YORK, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Dr. Stanton Peele's extensive research concludes that there is no evidence that biological or genetic mechanisms have been identified for addictive behavior or that addictive behavior is therefore inherited. The inherited addiction gene theory is widely used by the majority of alcohol and drug rehab programs, but Peele's research reveals that addiction is just too complicated to be contained within a simple inherited gene.

Throughout Peele's research, he relates the habitual behavior of smoking to an alcohol addiction. "How could an addiction like smoking be genetic? Does believing that an addiction like smoking is genetic help the person quit; are all those smokers who quit not genetically addicted?"

Peele adds another point of comparison to challenge the genetic theory referencing the rock band Aerosmith, all of which at one point consumed alcohol and drugs and then simultaneously attended AA recovery programs. "How unlikely a coincidence it is that five unrelated people with the addictive inheritance should run into one another and form a band?"

Mark Scheeren, Chairman of Saint Jude Retreats adds, "Addiction is simply a series of habitual behaviors which can be changed. Substance use boils down to a thought which is the conscious decision to drink and/or drug. There is no gene of addiction, unlike rehabilitation programs would like you to believe."

Peele's argument explains that there will always be a multitude of reasons why people choose to drink, and these factors are varied by circumstances and environment, not by genetics or neurochemistry in the brain.

Peele states, "People are blinded by genetic theories, so that they can't take in the facts all around them. Becoming -- and remaining -- addicted has a lot more to do with the groups people come from and associate with, and from their beliefs and expectations about substances (or other activities), than from their biological makeup."

Pleasurable activities can include more than substance use, such as activities that people repeat, in which case everything and anything can be "addictive," even walking and driving a car."

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/study- ... 2012-06-14

Comments

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:22

Both making plenty of money off the backs of their suckers. Yah, we got a "New Thought" here. Wait for it......but it'll cost ya. Come stay with us we got a sliding scale (slippery slope) and will throw in a fancy seminar with Stanton. You can have the front row seat...wait for it......it'll cost ya, it's a slippery slope.

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:30

will vehemently oppose this story and claim they should use the "free" cult of Alcoholics Anonymous instead because it is cheaper and provides them a revenue stream and prospect hunters for life. Strange that the AA faithful always forget to mention the multiple 28 day rehabs required once you join this cult, or the auxiliary services of sober homes, etc....

Then again you will also hear the stock answer of "that doesn't happen in my group" or "I didn't have to do that." All as you have to do is listen to one of the AA evangelists and their stories that members of the church of AA listen too between meetings and you will find out the truth.

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

disclosure

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:47

Science has no slippery slope, that language was born in AA.
Science is systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation.

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:12

I thought "slippery slope" was the brainchild of the politicians.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:05

What I am saying though is science can be manipulated for selfish means. See the difference?

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

NoAAUK's picture

NoAAUK

Sat, 06/16/2012 - 01:18

"What I am saying though is science can be manipulated for selfish means"

You mean similar to the way Wilson manipulated Oxford Group cult doctrine for his own selfish means?

......and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:11

NoAAUK's picture

NoAAUK

Sat, 06/16/2012 - 01:21

"Both making plenty of money off the backs of their suckers"

Nobody has mentioned Bill and the deviant doctor

......and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:11

Persephone In Exile's picture

Persephone In Exile

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:38

Thanks for posting, Avo!

I think, if nothing else, these genetic theories will just look extremely dated within a very short period of time. This is one of the biggest fads to have hit both popular culture and the sciences in recent (not entirely recent) years, and I think we're just seeing the unseemly climax of it when it comes to addiction. (Which isn't terribly unexpected, as most theories re: addiction are very, very archaic.)

http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/

disclosure

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 07:24

I read once that Stanton asked a group of addicts what the most difficult drug to quit was and that the reply was unanimously tobacco. I thought to myself as someone with long term abstinence who didn’t want to drink how this could apply to me. As a former cigarette smoker I had given up cigars because they were a trigger for me and a gateway to cigarettes. I had been using the HAMS harm reduction program for some time to maintain my abstinence outside AA. I thought “why not try harm reduction on tobacco”, the most insidious drug of all. Thanks to Stanton’s free information I had the courage to try what I learned without giving up my tenure of abstinence from alcohol. I have been able to smoke one cigar a month for 8 months now with no remorse. I am conscious of my choice, it is not a compulsion, and I am not denying myself a pleasure that would otherwise be taboo. Thanks Stanton, I did not buy your book or attend your seminar but benefited just the same. I hope you are all well and well compensated.

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:42

But what would impress me, is if Mark and Stanton founded a program that cost nothing. That all you had to do was ask if people would like to offer. They can use their own ideas and principles but make it free to everyone.
Whaddaya say there, JR. Are ya coming with me....wait for it...naw you are DB, I can't.
Advocate for us JR, go to these big dogs like Stanton and Mark who are making big money and ask them to bring their deal to the vast public for free.

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:48

Plain and simple. I am on the right path, I have seen the path that the cult of Alcoholics Anonymous provides and unfortunately it breeds psychopaths from jails and prisons and takes children at an early age and turns them into people close to Nazi death camp guards. The AA faith should be outlawed.

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:10

You know, the dingo really did eat her baby . . .

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

patti

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:27

Ditto.

patti

NoAAUK's picture

NoAAUK

Sat, 06/16/2012 - 01:16

"But what would impress me, is if Mark and Stanton founded a program that cost nothing."

Do you mean a program that works in this instance or just another load of BS ineffective cult doctrine that kills many people?

......and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Matthew 24:11

disclosure

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 16:53

“The more I traveled the more I realized that unusual food makes friends of different people who would otherwise be avoided.”

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:15

but Peele's research reveals that addiction is just too complicated to be contained within a simple inherited gene.

I don't believe that alcoholism is a disease, and I don't believe it is passed down by a single gene. However, almost every human trait, such as intelligence, has genetic components and can therefore be linked in some way to our (overall?) genetic makeup. So it seems likely that genetics could to at least some degree influence alcoholism.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:22

Genetics certainly influence depressions, and bipolar disorder has been closely linked with alcoholism (or alcohol dependence, if you wish):

"Familial Risk of Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism
"The role of genetic factors in psychiatric disorders has received much attention recently. Some evidence is available to support the possibility of familial transmission of both bipolar disorder and alcoholism (Merikangas and Gelernter 1990; Berrettini et al. 1997). Common genetic factors may play a role in the development of this comorbidity, but this relationship is complex (Tohen et al. 1998). Preisig and colleagues (2001) conducted a family study of mood disorders and alcoholism by evaluating 226 people with alcoholism with and without a mood disorder as well as family members of those people. The researchers found that there was a greater familial association between alcoholism and bipolar disorder (odds ratio of 14.5) than between alcoholism and unipolar depression (odds ratio of 1.7). These findings have implications for prevention and treatment. A positive family history of bipolar disorder or alcoholism is an important risk factor for offspring." ~ http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-2/103-108.htm

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:08

Could this be where the "disease concept" originated from?

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

gigi

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:21

Probably so, in a back door kind of way. I lean toward thinking that genetics may influence things such as depression, anxiety, ocd and the like. Which may then lead a person to self-medicate with alcohol and/or drugs and become addicted. So, to some degree, genetics probably has an influence. Just not as large an influence as some would like to believe.

"If I forget who I am, I am myself. If I remember who I am, I am you."

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:25

I'm the only one in my family who drinks too much sometimes. Siblings, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc., all drink socially but none of them ever had a problem with it. Just me. I'm also the only one who had substance abuse problems (though years ago.. I did get over that, thank goodness!). This doesn't surprise me at all that the genetic link is bogus.

patti

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:33

Justme,
yes I've often seen just one sibling become addicted to drugs or alcohol out of a big crew & the parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. had no history of drug or alcohol abuse. I've seen people live up to what they hear about themselves. Telling a child that they are genetically disposed to becoming an alcohol or drug addict is a really bad & negative thing. The power of suggestion. Kids that hear the same things over & over about themselves sometimes live up to what they have heard. I've experienced & seen this happen with many children regarding all kinds of information & characteristics they are told they will probably have @ some point in their life. It's not a good thing for kids to hear that they will probably become addicted to anything due to their families history or experience. I don't think it's genetic, although that is a common myth.

patti

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 19:01

I agree with everything you said.

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:28

How did you read into these posts that the genetic link is bogus? Pennywise and gigi both concede that on some level there may be a connection, and I believe it myself. Your family is not a study group. If that were so I could unequivocally proclaim that there's no doubt that there is a genetic predisposition to alcohol dependence.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Persephone In Exile's picture

Persephone In Exile

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:31

Bill W. and Dr. Bob weren't a study group either, it didn't seem to stop them.....

http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:39

I read the story in the blog post. I didn't read the comments.

There is no gene of addiction, unlike rehabilitation programs would like you to believe

No, my family isn't a study group. I never said that. All I said was I'm not surprised addiction is not genetically inherited. I'm commenting on the article, not on the posts of others.

My comment to you, Ms. Becket, is that you seem to constantly be an argumentative, angry person, who just likes to get in arguments with people an guess what? I'm not going to be one of them so you might do yourself a favor and quit wasting your time trying to argue with me or even talk to me for that matter.

I don't like you. I don't even know you but I don't care for argumentative angry people. Life is short. I don't have time for nonsense and negativity.

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:48

judge becker is a dry drunk. AA teachings say so. Dry drunks are angry people. And he (the judge) is an angry person.

Alcoholics Anonymous: MyNotGodHasItCovered®
http://www.expaa.org/
http://bereanresearch.com/
http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/
NOT AA:
Rational Recovery, SOS, HAMS
http://alcoholabusesolutions.com/

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:00

Ah . . . but are all angry people dry drunks? Absolutely not.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:06

I think Becket's a she. I don't have any idea what the cause is of her anger and argumentativeness but it's prominent. I don't believe in "dry drunks". If someone drinks and gets drunk, they can be called drunks, yeah. But if they don't drink and they don't get drunk (even if they used to), I'd just call them "sober".

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:24

My remark re dry drunks was meant in jest. I don't believe in any words that AA has hijacked into their hokey religion (buzz words) such as dry drunk, alcoholic, alcoholism, denial, etc.

I actually believe that becket is a male, and I have my reasons for believing that. becket was, once upon a time, MArrrietta Davis but got banned for being an angry, bitter person that wished mentally retarded children to one of the OPF members.

Alcoholics Anonymous: MyNotGodHasItCovered®
http://www.expaa.org/
http://bereanresearch.com/
http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/
NOT AA:
Rational Recovery, SOS, HAMS
http://alcoholabusesolutions.com/

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:33

.. Oh, OK, I see. Maybe you're right. :)

Ironic's picture

Ironic

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:55

I do believe that becket = marietta. I was also told by someone that I quite like and have no reason to mistrust that marietta is a man. However, I never saw the evidence, which was supposed to be an email address with a male name. There may have been more evidence..the name on the email could have many explanations, though, and so that isn't enough for me to believe 100% that marietta (or becket) is a man, though it is certainly a possibility.

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 19:12

Getting mean again.

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 20:17

Wanna see my episiotomy scar? 55 sutures - you might be into that, Ironic.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Anthro

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 20:26

You had surgery on your epistemology?

Anthro

becket's picture

becket

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 12:37

A dictionary is a beautiful thing.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 06/16/2012 - 08:29

scar MArrrietta. It must be odd-looking on an old man.

Alcoholics Anonymous: MyNotGodHasItCovered®
http://www.expaa.org/
http://bereanresearch.com/
http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/
NOT AA:
Rational Recovery, SOS, HAMS
http://alcoholabusesolutions.com/

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:48

It's not that there is one gene that guartantees you will have alcoholism, but we are influenced by our genetic makeups to a very large degree. It seems naive to think alcoholism would be an exception to that.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:11

This constant victim role you play, it is boring. Just let people be who they are and roll with it.

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:14

Me? Haha! I never played a "victim" on this site or anywhere else. You're crazy. Where'd you get that from? You made it up. Too funny.

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:37

where it always comes out you are being affected in some way. becket has always been becket which IMO is a very direct articulate and extremely intelligent poster. She is a debater of the quality of Penny but with a slight different flavor. We love her and I think Penny would miss her if she wasn't around.
So justme, you seem to be intelligent well read and what not, get involved here and be done with the petty squabbles (taking everything so personal) and put your mind to work.
I am intrigued by your membership here because of your lack of AA'ish, meaning you were not that involved in AA if at all.

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 19:07

Any site i go to where I see people arguing about nothing and personally attacking each other, I speak out against it. I don't like it. I wouldn't call that analyzing. I'd call it observing. And, as a human being I have the right to speak out when I observe unsavory behavior.

I don't like debating. Not my thing. I don't like rudeness and I don't like name calling and I don't one bit care for people belittling other people. If I want to argue and be involved with "petty squabbles", I can contact my ex-husband. Haha (that was a joke, in case you missed it). No thank you. *smile*

I'm glad to hear my presence is intriguing. I've explained multiple times when asked why I joined this forum. Perhaps you missed it. Sorry to hear that. I'm not repeating it.

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 03:49

We love her and I think Penny would miss her if she wasn't around.

I certainly would miss Becket. It's always a pleasure discussing things with her. Very sharp person.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 20:32

She was just suggesting people take a break from the internet and that she would be, too. Why this sudden "jump in?"

Just have fun, folks. It's just a board.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

patti

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 20:36

Oh Clara,
there is nothing fun about alcohol or drug addiction or cults, nothing. AA has been a fun & wonderful experience for you, not for us. Not for the people AA has pushed over the edge & not for their survivors.

patti

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 20:38

Yes, it has been, patti. I am grateful for that.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 17:55

Peele adds another point of comparison to challenge the genetic theory referencing the rock band Aerosmith, all of which at one point consumed alcohol and drugs and then simultaneously attended AA recovery programs. "How unlikely a coincidence it is that five unrelated people with the addictive inheritance should run into one another and form a band?"

Perhaps the genetic factors that endow musical talent also influence one's propensity for substance abuse?

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:03

Perhaps the genetic factors that endow musical talent also influence one's propensity for substance abuse?

It loosens them up so they can access their souls and let it spill out in artistic expression. Musicians, visual artists, poets, authors, all those people. Perhaps the inclination toward being an artist is genetic. I don't know.

I'm not convinced that there are genes that determines addictive behavior. I don't buy it.

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:03

I'm not convinced that there are genes that determines addictive behavior.

Determine is a strong a word. What about "influence?"

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

justme's picture

justme

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:09

I don't know if there are genes that influence addictive behavior. Apparently, the author of the article thinks not. That's what I was replying to. The article that was posted. I've never thought it was so because i've observed many families where only one of the family members has a problem and none of the other ones do.

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 06/14/2012 - 18:42

Maybe it skipped a generation.

@justme...better?

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

Pages