Alcoholism and Eye Color

People with blue eyes have the potential to become alcoholics, a study suggests.

Source: www.sciencetimes.com

A study of over 1,200 subjects by a research team out of the University of Vermont revealed that those with blue or light eye color are more likely to suffer from alcoholism than those with dark eye color.

While scientists say they need to do more research, the study does point up the possibility that physical attributes can be markers for conditions such as addictive behavior.

Why do some people become alcoholics and others do not?

A variety of factors can determine how only some individuals end up addicted to alcohol:

Genetics – if you come from a long line of alcoholics, chances are you are more likely to be one, yourself, although environmental factors do play a role.

Physiological/brain chemistry – factors such as depression and reactions to stress contribute to alcoholism.

Social factors – peer pressure, advertising and environment also play an important part.

Source: Stephanie Watson, www.HowStuffWorks.com

Interesting theories as to the causes of alcoholism, and addiction in general, abound. Healthline.com, an online blog, recently reported on a study published in the journal, Plos One, which examined the lateral habenula region of the brain. This area has been shown to help us make decisions and learn from punishments. When this region malfunctions or is damaged, the brain cannot associate certain bad behaviors, such as drinking too much alcohol, with bad outcomes, like getting a hangover. It may follow that an examination of this area of the brain in humans could reveal why someone succumbs to addiction more easily, and to institute therapy.

Source: www.healthline.com

Getting Better All The Time (?)

While studies point here and there for clues to the causes of alcoholism, most will agree that no specific factor can take all the credit – it is usually a combination or variety of factors.

Many scientists might agree that as we learn more about genetic, physiological and social causes, addictive behavior may be better controlled in society, but we feel, it’s unlikely to have much effect. What we can all do as individuals is to look at ourselves objectively, take precautions and seek treatment when we are certain a problem exists.