Yet, today, we
understand addiction and have ways to prevent it, ways that cannot be
implemented as long as the medical community ignores cutting-edge research
showing genetic predisposition (Reward Deficiency Syndrome) to substance abuse,
and childhood trauma as the activation of that predisposition. The interaction
of the two results in Substance Use Disorder.
PREVENTION IS
IMPORTANT AND POSSIBLE.
Prediction is now possible. “Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) …
is an identifier of polymorphic variances which predispose an individual to
Substance Use Disorder, and other impulsive–compulsive behaviors and their root
cause Reward Deficiency Syndrome …. provided a critical tool in stopping the
cycle before it begins.” “We now have entered a new era in addiction medicine
that embraces the neuroscience of addiction and RDS as a pathological condition
in brain reward circuitry that calls for appropriate evidence-based therapy and
early genetic diagnosis and that requires further intensive investigation.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4225054/
Prevention is possible. “Dr. Kevin
McCauley’s documentary Pleasure Unwoven defines addiction as a ‘stress induced
defect, acting on a genetic vulnerability in the reward learning area of the mid-brain
and the emotion choice area of the Frontal Cortex’. …. [C]hildhood trauma
alters genetic expression, and the interactive variance results in increased
substance use and/or abuse.” - https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/integrating-the-science-of-addiction-and-the-science-of-wellbeing-2329-6488-1000275.php?aid=92330 (This is a great review of a well-being
approach to addiction treatment, including the needed change in attitude and
stigmatization. Attached.)
So, Childhood Trauma
is the First Level essential cause (of five progressive levels) in activating
the genetic predisposition, a condition known as Reward Deficiency Syndrome,
resulting in Substance Use Disorder.
Trauma response is
a DCS assignment, one that our DCS is failing at.
The recent Indiana DCS director – in her
letter of resignation – pointed out that prevention is possible, but not under
inadequate funding.
Using the GARS
predictor instrument, trauma prevention (avoiding genetic activation of RDS)
can only be done by fostering healthy families and, failing that, community
connections that replace the warm relationships developed in healthy families.
Known connections points that are also failing to provide preventative support
(in that they stigmatize addiction and drive away people suffering from genetic
activation) include programs in church, employment, clubs, and other community
organizations.
Legislative research, action and funding
can thus direct funds to prevent Substance Use Disorder by fostering healthy
families (the ideal DCS function) and promoting community connection points.
