The Genetics of Alcoholism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Genetics of Alcoholism - Essay ExampleBuilding a tolerance for alcohol can explain this discrepancy to a point but biology plays a bigger role. Its been speculated that heritage determines a persons alcohol tolerance. Though some have brush off this theory as racist and stereotyping it may have some validity. The Irish and Germans seem to handle their liquor better than say, Native Americans. The alcohol limit for beer exchange in Oklahoma is 3.2 percent. Oklahoma has a large Native American population. Scientists agree with the stereotype. They have discovered a certain gene carried by up to 20 percent of the U.S. population that has a big, big effect on the way people handle their alcohol. This minority is programmed to be especially susceptible to the do of alcohol. The gene carries the blueprint for an enzyme called CYP2E1, known to be involved in metabolizing ethanol alcohol. (Rubin, 2010). This finding changes the perception that people who cant handle their liquor are somehow weak in other areas of life. Drinking games are designed to determine who is the safeest in the group. The winners claim magnify rights over their weakling friends. According to the scientists findings, bragging about how much you can drink is like bragging about having red hair, dark skin or macrocosm tall. Not only is being able to drink large amounts nothing to brag about in the first place, its now proven it has nothing to do with being strong or weak.