----Original Message Follows---- From: Megan

No, it is not genetic/hereditary.  Alcoholism and other addictions are not passed on through genes, as much as people with that shit in their family would like to believe.  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