by Bob Trowbridge

Created on: July 30, 2008

Genetics is still a nascent field and there is still a lot of controversy surrounding the role of genes in human behavior. It certainly has not been established that there is a drug abuse gene. The most we can say at this point is that there may be a genetic predisposition to drug or alcohol addiction. Some believe there is an addictive personality.

Some geneticists seem to think that once we unravel the entire DNA of a person, we can predict their life down to the color of lipstick they will favor and their favorite movie star. Some have even posited a suicide gene.

This feels like what the behaviorists tried to do in psychology. They felt that all behavior could be explained by some kind of stimulus-response mechanism. There have always been those in the sciences who seem to think that human behavior can be explained either by physical mechanisms, such as the genes, or psychological mechanisms such as behaviorism.

Even the geneticists acknowledge that there are many drug abusers who have no genetic disposition towards such behavior. Conversely, many who might have such a genetic marker may never be tempted by such abuse. The attempt to simplify the complexities of the human body and the human mind are always going to be doomed to failure.

In fact, it is the interaction between the mind and body itself that is going to doom any kind of genetic predestination. When you look at the rich ongoing interaction between the mind and our bodily systems, any attempt at reductionism is bound to fail. Every thought has electro-chemical consequences in the body. Every experience affects both mind and body.

It is possible that the genes themselves are not fixed at birth as is now believed. Because the mind can so powerfully influence the physical body, even the genes may be subject to alteration through the power of the mind.

The real problem with the argument in favor of making our genes responsible for our behavior is both social and psychological. There are already enough people in the world who do not want to take responsibility for their behavior. Genetics just gives them another way to excuse their choices and behaviors.

I think that drug addictions and any other form of substance abuse can be seen as an emotional and psychological problem. I think that treatment is the answer and not necessarily incarceration. Nevertheless, taking responsibility for ones' choices and one's behavior are an important aspect of recovery.

To suggest that we are born as addicts or abusers because of our genes robs us of our most precious capability as human beings. That is the capability to make choices, to direct and control our behavior. If we are simply victims of our genes, why should we make any attempt to improve ourselves? Why should we think that we can become better people?

Personally, I do not intend to let either my genes or my stars determine who I am or place any limitations upon me. For better or worse, I will take full responsibility for my life, for my thoughts, words, and deeds. To blame my parents or my genes is to give away my power. To give away my power is to give away my humanity.

Learn more about this author, Bob Trowbridge.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.