[vincenzog01]

My father was a pretty heavy drinker for 30 years and my mother was a chain smoker for 35 years. Both sides of my family have lots of alcoholics and smokers. My mother also smoked while she was pregnant with my sister and I. With my family history being said, here is my question.

My sister takes a lot after my father in looks and personality, and I with my mother. She had a drinking problem for a while (and I think she still might), and I was really craving cigarettes today, even though I'd never smoked one. However, I grew up with a lot of my family smoking around me, and to this day like the smell of cigarette smoke. So today I bought a cigar, and I loved the way it made me feel. Is it possible that I'm attracted to cigarettes and/or cigars because of genes, and my sister is more apt to drink for the same reason?

[Gino]

inclination towards addiction (specific ones and in general) is VERY genetic

[ilovedooneys]

Genetic yeah, but it could also be you just being used to your surroundings. Don't ask for cancer, it's not worth it.

["TWIST"]

As some substances pass from the pregnant mom to the fetus I am inclined to think there is a hereditary link, though I have no studies I can cite. My mom smoked and drank and I'm inclined to think this played a part in some of our family's emotional instability, but this is just speculation.

Btw...You need to know about a study just out that establishes that cigarette smoking IMMEDIATELY causes genetic damage. See:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/healthussmoking

So, smoking is a very dangerous..and expensive habit.

[SR13]

Because the addiction has been a normal part of your environment you may be more inclined to try it, but at the end of the day you have a mind of your own- so the choice is up to you.

[jerlin09]

The tendency can be inherited. For some cultures, such as Natives, there is actually a chromosomal difference that causes us to be less protected against alcoholism.