The influence of nature – genes

• What do research findings suggest about the inheritance of addictions?

  Addictions are moderately to highly inherited
• How does genetic information influence addiction risk?

  It may determine likelihood of addiction
• Do genes have an all-or-nothing effect on behavior regarding addiction?

  No, very few genes have that effect
• What is the role of multiple genes in addiction?

  They create a vulnerability to addiction
• What happens if a person inherits certain ‘addiction’ genes?

  Each gene increases addiction risk
• What does the diathesis-stress explanation propose?

  Genetic vulnerability is expressed by life stresses
• How do nature and nurture interact in the diathesis-stress model?

  Nature provides vulnerability, nurture triggers it