Drug Usage

Paper Summary:

This paper takes an in-depth look at the history of the use and abuse of drugs to affect conscious states. According to the paper, drugs, whether alcohol or hallucinogenic drugs such as peyote and opiates, have a long history among human beings. The paper further discusses that although environmental factors certainly play an important role in an individual's vulnerability to drug usage and addiction, recent studies strongly suggest that genetic factors may play a more significant role.

From the Paper:

"In 2003, a study involving approximately 20,000 participants found that particular genes can influence personality traits that are linked to unhealthy behavior. In an effort to link human behavior and inheritance, researchers at Oxford University researched data from 46 separate studies, focusing on genes that control chemicals used to transmit signals between brain cells (Von Radowitz 2003). Findings revealed that one version of the human serotonin transporter gene, 5HTT-LPR, was associated with anxious personalities, indicating that "individuals with this gene variant were the sort who find social interaction stressful and may take refuge in substance abuse" (Von Radowitz 2003). Researchers discovered a weaker link between the dopamine D4 receptor and extrovert personality traits, suggesting that such individuals are more likely to smoke tobacco or use drugs due to risk behavior, in other words, they are more inclined to gamble with their health (Von Radowitz 2003)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Changeux, Jean-Pierre. (1998 March 22). Drug use and abuse. Daedalus. Retrieved November 06 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Eaves, Lindon J. (2005 July 01). Familial influences on alcohol use in adolescent female twins: testing for genetic and environmental interactions. Journal of Studies on Alcohol. Retrieved November 06 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Goldman, Erik. (2005 July 01). Genetic tests could improve future drug abuse treatment. Family Practice News. Retrieved November 06 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Heroin Addiction Cuts Across All Social Boundaries, Caron Foundation Study Reports. (2001 May 16). Business Wire. Retrieved November 06 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• James, Deborah. (2006 March 17). Cocaine addiction could be genetic, new study claims. Daily Post (Liverpool, England). Retrieved November 06 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.

More papers on Drug Usage:

• Essay # 36771 : "Drug Usage and Deviance"
• Analytical Essay # 103246 : "Illegal Drugs Usage in the Military"
• Narrative Essay # 91998 : "Drug Testing"

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