Nature or Nurture
It has long been argued that when it comes to addictions, it`s a matter of nature vs. nurture--are we more inclined to drink because it`s what we`ve been subjected to in the environment we grew up in or is it something genetic...possibly even in our own chemistry. A study released this morning through the Journal of Science Translational Medicine offers new insights into an extensive trend of thought. It has long been viewed by science that the reason alcohol is addictive to some human brains is the release of naturally occurring opioids (an opium like compound that binds to one or more of the three opioid receptors of the body) in the brain. Using a volunteer group that was a mixture of ``heavy social drinkers`` and healthy control subjects, researchers used a PET scan (positron emission tomography is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body) on the volunteers` brains.
As the study progressed, it became clear that some people experienced this opioid release differently. It became evident that some people`s brains gave them a larger opioid release when they drink. It offers a `rush of pleasure` as the opioid is released in heavy drinkers from the orbital frontal cortex region of the brain as well as nucleus accumbens region--both known as part of the ``reward center`` of our brains. So why does this become an addiction you ask? Because the orbital frontal cortex subconsciously entices people to want that `rush of pleasure` again making them covet and desire alcohol without them even realizing it. Whether it is nature or nurture, if you or someone you know has an alcohol addiction there is help available. Talk to your doctor and visitwww.aa.orgto get help.