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Addiction is the condition that exists when people are unable to control their desires, even when they can cause dangerous effects. It also refers to the excessive intake of psychoactive substances such as drugs and alcohol. Some people are born with addiction while others acquire it. It has been discovered that children of addicts have higher chances of developing addiction as they grow up.
Human beings are made of cells, which are the smallest units in the body. These cells combine to form tissues, organs and systems. Each cell has important components such as the nucleus, which contains the chromosomes. The chromosomes are responsible for the obvious differences in behavior among men since they contain the instructions that influence human actions.
There are specific genes for every kind of addiction. These genes are located in the chromosomes. Efforts are being made to discover the genes that are responsible for all the kinds of addiction. It is envisaged that in the near future, treatment for any kind of addiction will become much better and effective. Meanwhile, the exact chromosomes that contain these genes have already been discovered by scientists.
There is a particular gene that has been discovered to be responsible for multiple addictive behaviors. This gene, which was found on chromosome 11 by Yale school researchers, is known as PKNOX2. The common name for it is the “addiction gene”. This gene was also discovered to be responsible for some addictive behaviors in mice. The presence of PKNOX2 in individuals helps scientists to estimate the chances of addiction. Although the genes are highly responsible for addiction, children of addicts still have a chance to live without being addicted to any kind of substance as long as they cope well. Hence, the addiction gene theory is just a warning about the potential ability of people to become addicts so that they can become more careful.
Drug addiction causes several short and long term effects. Some of the short term effects are high blood pressure and increased heart rate. These problems are caused by the constriction of blood vessels when stimulants such as cocaine and crystal meth are consumed. Another short term effect is irregular breathing. Irregular breathing may be short unequal breathing patterns that can result to sudden death or intense state of unconsciousness. Drug addiction also causes hyperactivity. Hyperactivity occurs when chemicals in the brain such as norepinephrine and dopamine are increased. Some of the long term effects of drug addiction include heart problems, mood swings and tolerance to more drugs. Increased tolerance to drugs arises when the addict constantly takes them. This condition makes the addict more prone to the dangerous effect of the drug because it accumulates in the system and bloodstream. Heart problems that drug addicted patients suffer include heart strain, heart failure and irregular heart beat. Mood swings caused by drug addiction make it almost impossible to predict the actions of an addict.
Alcohol causes severe hazards on the brain. Consumption of alcohol over a long period can affect normal development of the brain. This effect is seen among youths that find it difficult to recall speeches or written information. Alcohol consumption prevents the growth and formation of brain cells. Apart from brain damage, long term problems of alcohol addiction include higher risks of having cancer, problems with the circulatory system, lung damage, liver problems and stomach inflammation. Cancers caused by alcohol addiction include cancer of the mouth, cancer of the throat and breast cancer. Owing to the high composition of calories in alcohol, addicted individuals can increase weight within a short period. It also causes poor absorption of calcium, thereby making bones to become weak. Alcohol addicted men also suffer lowered sex drive while the women can become infertile. Short term effects of alcohol addiction include nausea, loss of memory, poor coordination, headache and coma.
Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a very difficult situation to cope with. Hence, it is very important to find suitable treatment plans. Sometimes, an addict may make a resolution to shun drugs or alcohol only to compromise after a short while. Though treatment is not simple, it is still possible to stop addiction. Individuals and family members can get help by going for counseling. Counseling strategies usually include behavioral therapies and medications.
More information on the addiction gene can be obtained via the links below:
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