Between genes and addiction: a critique of genetic determinism

Abstract

The quest for a genetic component to addiction is promising and its evidence irresistible. But just how resistible? What does it tell us about the condition of heroin addiction or why some people drink to excess and others don't? Writer and academic Craig Reinarman believes that our thirst for the simplicity of determinism is thwarting our understanding of addiction. Here, Reinarman explains why addiction will continue to be a complex and misunderstood phenomenon, with or without genetic research.

Citation

Reinarman, C. (2005), "Between genes and addiction: a critique of genetic determinism", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 32-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/17459265200500061