I’ve already talked about how we inherit certain trait characteristics and others we learn. I’m interested in how this relates to fighting behavior disorders and/or addictions. I’ve heard of the term “addictive personality” which refers to someone who will trade one addiction for another. Supposedly, they are born with some trait that makes them easily addicted to things. My question is how much can an environment in which you are raised contribute to or prevent that behavior? What if you were born with the “alcoholic” gene but adopted and raised with a family who never drinks? Even though you’re obviously going to be introduced to alcohol sooner or later, does being raised by a very strong, ethical family reduce your chances of becoming an alcoholic? If the family consistently reinforced setting positive goals and reaching those goals, then is there a chance that the child will grow up very strong and focused therefore able to resist alcohol? Conversely, how likely is it that the addictive gene can overcome the environment no matter how the child was raised? The big question here is how powerful is DNA and how powerful is the environment? DNA is what it is and can’t be changed however there isn’t just one environment for everyone that can’t be changed. Environment is different for everyone and it does have an affect on personality. Can the solid, strong environment beat out DNA? I believe it’s possible the environment can beat it but it has to be an environment that is consistently positive, strong, and diligent. What do you all think?