...PSY 240 Genes and Addiction Assignment In the study ‘Associations and Interactions between SNPs in the Alcohol Metabolizing Genes and Alcoholism Phenotypes in European Americans’, Sherva, Rice, Neuman, Rochberg, Saccone, and Bierut search for a correlation (a statistical measurement of the relationship between two or more variables) between two alcohol-related phenotypes and SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphism) in 17 genes involved with alcohol metabolism. Alcohol metabolism is a process through oxidation where alcohol is detoxified and removed from the blood, preventing the alcohol from accumulating and destroying cells and organs. A minute amount of alcohol escapes metabolism and is excreted unchanged in the breath and in urine. Until all the alcohol consumed has been metabolized, it is distributed throughout the body, affecting the brain and other tissues (Byrne, 2014). The two alcohol-related phenotypes were compared to SNPs, or single-nucleotide polymorphisms, where a nucleotide is different from the rest of the chromosome (Byrne, 2014). There have been several studies done previously showcasing chromosomal regions and genes that affect alcohol dependence (alcoholism), most of which play a role in the metabolism of alcohol. Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence)...
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...A Disease Controlled by Diet Is alcoholism a disease? There’s much confusion. Pull up a barstool beside any alcoholic drinker and ask whether he thinks he has a disease. He will tell you no, even though he may be quick to admit he’s “an alcoholic.” But ask any recovering alcoholic in A.A. He’ll tell you he has a disease and he’ll tell you he has this disease whether or not he’s drinking. Each of them is partly right. Alcoholic drinking starts a disease process. This process progresses when you’re drinking. It stops when you stop drinking. And when you stop drinking, you can heal much of the damage from the disease if you change your diet. Alcoholism fits the definition of disease. Like other diseases, alcoholism impairs your health by damaging your cells. Like other diseases, it interrupts your body’s vital functions, causing specific symptoms. And like other diseases such as cancer, if it’s allowed to continue long enough, it’ll kill you. But as a disease, it has an ironic twist. The agent causing the disease acts like a medicine that cures the symptoms. Alcoholic drinkers actually feel healthier when they’re drinking. Pain and sickness seem to disappear. Unfortunately, the sense of health is artificial. When you drink, you relieve yourself of the symptoms only. Meanwhile, inside your body, a disease process rages. Drinking wears out your body and actually speeds up the aging process. Your cells live their lives in the fast lane of high blood-sugar and toxic...
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...Alcoholism 1 Alcoholism is the continuous or excessive use of alcohol with associated pathologic results. Alcoholism is characterized by constant or periodic intoxication, although the pattern of consumption varies, individuals admitted for the first time to an alcoholism treatment center typically have been consuming approximately 3–4 oz (80–100 g) of pure alcohol per day, corresponding to about seven to nine drinks or bottles of beer or glasses of wine. Studies have shown that problem drinking in these populations starts at about 2 oz/day (60 g/day), that is, four to five drinks per day, and that these are consumed in rapid succession, leading to intoxication on three or more days per week. Individuals who consume these levels of alcohol have also a greater than average risk of developing alcoholic liver cirrhosis. However, the levels should not be taken as absolute, since they can vary greatly in different individuals, according to body weight and other factors. The symptoms and consequences associated with severe alcohol consumption also vary greatly; that is, in some individuals only a few may be present. These may consist of the development of physical dependence manifested as a state of physical discomfort or hyperexcitability (tremors or shakes) that are reduced by continued consumption; the development of tolerance to the effects of alcohol, which leads individuals to increase their consumption; accidents while intoxicated; blackouts, characterized by loss of memory...
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...Semester 2014”. Stigma Assessment of Alcohol Abuse Alcohol is a road often traveled yet there is no light at the end. The road only leads to a life of depression, anxiety, anger, stress, and much more. These are all, unwanted personality traits that we experience at one time or another. However, alcoholics exhibit these traits day in and day out as the likelihood that they act in these ways is nearly doubled when alcohol is involved. Alcohol inhibits not only daily bodily functions but our minds as well. Alcoholism leads to times of withdrawal, low self-esteem, and an overall unwillingness to be part of society. It turns the gentlest person into a raving psychopath without them even knowing it or if they do know, they refuse to admit it. Alcoholism manipulates the way we think and the way we react in common, everyday situations. Minor problems are blown out of proportion while major problems are faced with anger, resentment, and often physical force. Alcoholism does nothing positive for an individual. It has many harmful effects and its effects on personality are the most harmful of all. In this study, we will examine how alcohol is metabolized by the body, affects alcohol has on the brain, and the influence of alcohol and gender on immune response. In chemistry terms, alcohol is an organic compound where a hydroxyl group (-OH) is bonded to a carbon atom from an alkyl. A hydroxyl group is a group consisting of an oxygen and hydrogen atom, bonded by a covalent bond. A...
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...Treating Hyperbilirubinemia Enzyme inducers have the ability to conjugate bilirubin which leads to the decrease of bilirubin content in the serum, thus helps treat Hyperbilirubinemia and also treat Criggler Najjar Type II disease (inherited disorder affecting the metabolism of bilirubin). 2. Monitoring of drug compliance In chronic alcoholics, a very high concentration of y-glutamyltransferase activity occurs in their serum which is observed to reduce to normal levels upon withdrawal from consuming alcohol. Monitoring indicators of microsomal enzyme inducers can be helpful in deciding whether to increase/decrease or change a drug. 3. According to recent studies, inducers of liver microsomal enzymes enhance the hydroxylation of steroids in man. Phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, and phenylbutazonestimulate cortisol hydroxylase activity in guinea pig liver microsomes and enhance the urinary excretion of 6 β-hydroxycortisol in man....
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...Alcoholism and Genetics Alcoholism has an affect everyone one way or another. It is a complex disease that not only affects the alcoholic but it also affects their families and loved ones. Alcoholism is considered an addition, which can be contributed to a range of genetic, social, and environmental influences. Historically, alcoholism was blamed on one’s character; it was seen as a flaw and/or weakness (Perry). “Alcoholism affected approximately 4.65 percent of the U.S. population in 2001–2002, producing severe economic, social, and medical ramifications” (Sloan, Sayarath and Moore). As many know, genetics plays a strong role in the component of alcoholism. As more genes are linked to the development of an alcohol addition, the finding will be proven useful in developing the necessary tools to better identify those who are at risk (Perry). For the last 25 years, a variety of human studies have supported the “theory of a genetic component in the susceptibility to alcoholism” (Begleiter). Researchers now estimated that between 50 and 60 percent of alcoholism risk is determined by genetics (Sloan, Sayarath and Moore). “It has sparked numerous linkage and association studies to include, investigating the roles of chromosomal regions and genetic variants in determining alcoholism susceptibility” (Sloan, Sayarath and Moore). There have been multiple studies to identify the gene that could potentially lead to a higher risk for alcoholism. For example, family studies...
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...Alcoholism and Malnutrition International Nutrition: The World Food Crisis FSNU-201 April 21, 2013 Alcoholism and Malnutrition Malnutrition is a condition that is caused by an imbalance between what someone eats and the nutrients that they need to maintain good health and proper body function. (Mandal, n.d.) Not eating enough food to maintain proper body function, or eating an imbalanced diet that does not provide the nutrients needed to maintain a balanced level of health, will cause a person to become malnourished. (Mandal, n.d.) In order to stay healthy, individuals need to consume foods from a number of different food groups including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, dairy and a minimum of five daily portions of fruits and vegetables which contain many of the essential vitamins and minerals. (McGuire & Beerman, 2009, p. 331) Anyone can become malnourished if they do not consume the necessary amount of nutrients to fulfill their nutritional needs, or if they have an unhealthy diet such as those, who for example, misuse alcohol. Many studies show that people who misuse alcohol can eventually become malnourished due to the fact that alcohol contains just enough calories to curb hunger, but it does not contain the necessary nutrients that are required to stay healthy. As a result, alcoholics often suffer from a number of serious health conditions including damage to internal organs such as the liver, heart and the brain. (Casa Palmera Staff, 2010) Someone may ask...
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...Alcoholism in Adult Magoha Mayagila Research Paper, Psych 2301 Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a non-curable mental disorder that’s affects millions of people worldwide. According to national institute on alcohol and alcoholism, 1 in 12 adults in U.S is suffering from AUD. If not diagnosed early, AUD can effects a person life psychologically, socially and economically. Despite affecting the general population, studies have shown men are two to three times more likely to develop AUD than women due to generic differences (Mettmann D 2014). The androgen receptor (AR) gene, located on X chromosome contains a common polymorphism involving cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats, which impacts disease and could contribute the unequal sex ratio in alcoholism (Mettman D 2014). Even though men are more susceptible to AUD, the effects of AUD on women health is enormous compared to men. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a psychological tool that have been used to collect mental disorder statistics since 1840. By 1952 American Psychiatric Association developed DMS-I to diagnose mental disorders. Prior to 2013, DMS-IV was the tool of choice for clinical diagnosis for alcoholism. DMS-IV categorized alcoholism into two distinct disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency; and two distinct criteria, abuse and dependency based on 11 symptoms. Alcohol abuse is defined as a behavior at which a person drinking pattern leads to undesirable acts and behavior...
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...use as a learned behavior * People using drugs because drug use is modeled by others * Peer pressure * Environmental effects leading to drug use MORAL MODEL * Addicts are usually weak and can overcome a compulsion to use with willpower * Drug abusers are anti-social and should be punished for that * Drug are generally evil BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL MODEL * All the above are true, to greater or lesser degrees * Each person’s drug use is a result of some aspects of some or all the other models * Treatment and recovery require addressing the body, mind, social, nutrition, employment, family issues, psychological issues. On a broad inference, addiction is generally concerned with alcoholism so therefore we shall talk extensively on alcoholism. ALCOHOLISM Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled...
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...Remove the water from ethyl alcohol and you get ether. Ether is an anesthetic that works on the brain and puts it to sleep. The same symptoms surgical patient experiences under ether are those experienced by a person drinking alcohol. Alcoholism Alcohol consumption is a learned behavior. people drink it out of things like curiosity peer pressure and customs like toasting on a special occasions etc. and eventually it becomes a habit people often drink to escape certain feelings. Alcoholism is a desire produced by the repeated misuse of ethyl alcohol. Alcoholism is a primary desire it is not caused by some psychological or moral flaw. And is potentially a fatal desire, if the drinking is not interrupted Once alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is rapidly distributed throughout the body. It affects almost every cell, every organ, and every level of human functioning. The most profound early effect is on the central nervous system, where it acts as a sedative, producing relaxation and sense of well-being. It impairs the intellect, physical abilities and...
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...prevalence of alcoholic drinking among high school students ALCOHOLISM “It discloses secrets; ratifies and confirms our hopes; thrusts the coward forth to battle; eases the anxious mind of its burthen; instructs in arts. Whom has not a cheerful glass made eloquent! Whom not quite free and easy from pinching poverty!” (Horace first century B.C.) Initially, I wanted to write this paper on substance related disorders. However, in reading the text I felt compelled to focus on the psycological effects and problems that are related to alcoholism. With the media we are all too aware of the widespread dilemma that alcohol contributes to our current age. I am amazed that there were indeed alcoholics as far back as 3000 years before christ! Despite the pleasure and relaxation that alcohol can bring to some, it can also destroy others self-wort and integrity. Alcohol affects virtually everyone, whether the individual is himself an alcoholic, is the family member of one, or has been the victim of an alcohol related crime. In spite of the dangers alcohol presents,it is still in countless social cirles. Alcohol penetraes all ages, educational, occupational, and socioeconomical boundaries. Each year it is estimated that ten percent of all deaths are related to alcohol abuse. Am astonishing fifty percent of all major automobile accidents, and murders are associated with alcohol. On and on the statistics point to the enormous dangers of alcohol, yet it is a legalized drug. As bleak as this...
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...Alcoholism Paper Research Paper Merriam-Webster defines alcoholism as “a chronic disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction.” a person who suffers from alcoholism is addicted to the effects of alcohol (Webster 1). He or she has a physical or mental desire to consume alcohol past their physical ability to control themselves. Alcohol is the second most commonly abused substance according to the NID (Pdf 1). This paper will present facts on, biological effects of alcohol on the body, the addiction to alcohol, genetic loading, and the deaths that are caused in some way by alcohol. Alcohol affects people differently. According to the CDC, the reasons are: Age, gender, race/ethnicity, physical condition, amount of food consumed before drinking, how quickly the alcohol was consumed, the use of other drugs or prescription medications, and family history (CDC 1). When alcohol is consumed, it bypasses the digestive system and goes directly to the blood stream; about twenty percent of the alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream via the stomach, and the other eighty percent by the small intestine (Dunlap 1). Alcohol acts as a sedative, but is perceived as a stimulant. The reason for this is that alcohol causes people to speak more freely; it impairs judgment and physical ability. Alcohol dilutes itself in water found in the body, this is one of the ways alcohol effects people differently, because...
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...Daphnia magna is a transparent water flea species found in rocky pools along the Atlantic Ocean. The Daphnia’s body is encased in a clear structure called carapace (Elenbaas, 2013). The exoskeleton, carapace, provides protection for the Daphnia magna, “The portion of the hard exoskeleton, or shell, that covers all or part of the body of many crustaceans…” (“Definition, n.d.). As John Clare says, “Generally the life span increases as temperature decreases, due to lowered metabolic activity” (2002). Daphnia magna are able to sustain life approximately 16 days longer at 20 Celsius when compared to a life cycle at 25 Celsius (Clare, 2002). The heart can be easily seen under a light microscope due to the transparency of the skin (Handy, 2012). A...
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...There is an enzyme that relies on genetic coding to be produced. Those who have this enzyme have slower rates of alcohol metabolism and produce unpleasant responses (such as hangovers or vomiting) to mass consumption of alcohol (Potenza, 2013). The consequences of the enzyme are protective in nature and increase the resiliency from alcoholism. Data from past twin students have researchers suggesting that 30% to 70% of the factors that cause addictions are genetic (Potenza, 2013). However in another study researchers have proposed that heritability of alcoholism is around 50%, this suggests that both genetic/biological factors are equally important to environmental factors (Enoch, 2007). This is seen in examples of individual differences, where people who have difference genetic backgrounds grow up in similar environments and can end up entirely different from each other and vice versa (Potenza, 2013). Some of the environmental factors that result in alcoholism in families with history of the disease could be derived from watching the behavior and developing coping skills, alcohol availability, parental attitude and peer pressure (Enoch, 2007). Stressors such as harsh/inconsistent discipline, hostility, rejection, physical and sexual abuse are linked to addiction. For example 70%...
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...Alcohol plays too significant a role in society today and should be an after thought as opposed to the most essential addition to any social event. Alcohol creates numerous social, economic, and health problems that could very easily be stopped if it played a less influential role in every day events. The use of alcohol is prominent in, but not limited to three social circles that include students, family groups, and religious gatherings. Experts have much to say about alcohol use and abuse in these three categories, including all of the negative aspects of drinking. Social drinking is a common occurrence around America. Whether it is after work or after a football game, white collar or blue, two-thirds of the American population sit down at least once a week to enjoy an alcoholic beverage (Med.unc.edu). Many of these people do not realize that drinking is what leads to uncontrolled behavior, drunk driving, and in the long run, addiction. They are thinking only of the short-term effects, not the negative long-term consequences. People who regularly turn to alcohol eventually begin to neglect their families and other responsibilities, consequently wrecking the lives of loved ones and their own as well. While the lasting negative effects of alcohol use are spewed daily through the media, the problems will not stop until society completely understands how alcohol can indeed pose a serious threat to the nations social welfare. Alcohol has an adverse effect on the economy. The...
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