Genetic vulnerability

Cards (4)

  • Genetic vulnerability
    • inherit vulnerability to addiction
    • interaction between genes and environmental factors, as individual will not become addicted unless they are exposed to the substance or an opportunity
  • Metabolism
    • Rate of metabolism is inherited through genes
    • some can metabolise (break down) addictive substances a lot faster, making it easier for them to become addicted, need more substance to have same effect, leading to addiction or overusing
  • D2 receptor - are responsible for communicating with the neurotransmitter dopamine which is involved in feelings of pleasure and reward
    • number of d2 receptor an individual as is based on genetics. Having fewer of D2 receptors is associated with addiction as this leads to problems with experiencing pleasure from everyday activities e.g. chocolate. Therefore go for more addictive substances such as nicotine to experience feelings of pleasure. This leads to addiction.
  • A03
    • Correlational research - cause and effect - addiction could cause abnormalities in D2 receptors
    • RTS conducted by Kendler et al, using data from National Swedish Adoption study, biological families who had an addiction - children had significantly greater risk of developing an addiction compared to those who parents didn't have an addiction. Validity to genetic vulnerability.