an attractive option. An example is a woman who is repeatedly abused by men may feel that she cannot trust them and is only able to find safety with women. Although the cause of alcoholism is not known, biochemical imbalances in the brain and heredity have been acknowledged in playing a role. Scientists believe that genes are likely responsible for addictive disorders, but have not conclusively identified a specific gene that puts people at risk. Epidemiological studies have shown evidence of heredity’s role, for example, an identical twin of an alcoholic is twice as likely as a fraternal twin to have an alcohol-related disorder (Hales, 1998). While some diseases, like cystic fibrosis are apparently caused by a defect in a single gene, conditions like alcoholism, drug abuse, anxiety and depression are “very complex disorders,” said Kathleen Merikangas, a geneticist at Yale Medical School. “A large number of genes, and interactions among genes, are involved.” Dr. David Goldman, a researcher at the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said two suspicious mutations have been discovered in the genes of alcoholics, but they are not the sole cause of the disease. He noted that during Prohibition, alcoholism decreased, demonstrating that environment affects behavior (Boyd, 1996). Again, no definitive evidence to support either heredity or environment exclusively. Based on the research I have done on the nature vs. nurture issue, I am still convinced that both factors must come in to play to shape our uniqueness. I do not feel that someone is necessarily born a violent killer that wakes up one day and decides to act on impulse. I feel that it is entirely possible that exposure to weapons and violence can activate a curiosity that leads to a violent act, but in most cases I would say a biochemical disorder is the most likely culprit. I am not convinced that we have discovered every sympto...
