[RavenSong]

One more thing that I'd like to say on this issue is this. Alcoholism and drug addiction involve much more than merely genetic predisposition. If they were only attributed to genetics, there would be no need for 12-step recovery programs.

Genetic predisposition does not mean that someone will automatically develop alcoholism or addiction. There's more at work here. My own opinion is that it's a combination of the environment acting on the genotype. Another way of looking at it is by saying here is a case where nurture (environment) truly combines with nature (biology).

Interestingly enough, there are also plenty of cases of alcoholism and drug addiction arising in individuals who have NO family history of these diseases. Genetic mutation? Possibly... I don't think anyone really knows yet.

In the meantime, 12-step recovery groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, have good, solid success rates if the member works his or her program in a diligent manner. This includes fearlessly working the 4th step. I would imagine that people who have not ever been exposed to recovery programs, either personally or as a family member (Al-Anon and Nar-Anon), would have a hard time understanding what we're talking about.