There are NUMEROUS studies proving the existence of a genetic tendency toward addictive behaviors. I can cite (a better term would be 'list', I suppose, heh) some links, if you like, but I don't think it's necessary.

I am not misunderstanding you, but I ABSOLUTELY disagree with you----even about the tendency toward body size/type. But there are dominant genes and there are recessive genes, so family history doesn't necessarily dictate whether or not each individual in a given gene pool will end up with the traits derived from the genes in question.

----Original Message Follows----

From: Megan

No, it is not genetic/hereditary. The point of those definitions were to show you that hereditary and genetic mean the same thing. You said, "Addictions might not be genetic, but they are hereditary," which didn't make any sense because the words mean the same thing. Alcoholism and other addictions are not passed on through genes, as much as people with that shit in their family would like to believe. And trust me, I am not being biased, as there are people on my mother's side of the family who have "alcoholism". That's like saying you're fat because your mom and all her sisters are fat. It could be considered learned behavior, but I guess you have to be intelligent enough to know right from wrong, and when enough (alcohol in this case) is enough. And my comment about self-discipline is for prevention of addictions, not treatment. I agree that outsiders are needed to point out addictions in most cases, but one must be self-disciplined and really know oneself and one's behaviors in order to prevent serious addictions, such as addictions to alcohol, or other drugs. I apologize if we misunderstood each other.

Kitty