Laura from Albany, NY, asked:
Hi Julie,
I found you when you were interviewed on the Inspire Nation show and have been so enjoying your podcast ever since.
In addition, I just purchased your book, Angelic Attendants, and am looking forward to diving in!
I was wondering if you could help me “cut the cords” for my desire to drink. My father passed away at the age of 52 from cirrhosis of the liver and I swore I would NEVER find myself on a similar path. But 12 years post-divorce, here I am at the age of 54, drinking MUCH more than I want to, on a nearly nightly basis.
It’s something that I feel deep shame about and I truly believe my drinking is keeping me from being who I came here to be.
I took a 10-month class from a wonderful spiritual teacher and had some really magical, mystical experiences. I’d like to continue developing these abilities and begin to work toward my life purpose. Maybe I chose to have this love/hate relationship with alcohol in my Life Plan but I SO want to be done with it!
My partner says he will never not drink, so removing alcohol from my home is not an option. I hope that you can help me. Is there some sort of a desire for alcohol switch you can flip to OFF?!
Many thanks, for your beautiful work! I’m so happy I found you and hope to take your training in the future.
Much love,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks for listening to my show and for reading Angelic Attendants. I hope you find it informative, comforting and heartwarming.
Regarding your questions around excessive drinking and finding yourself emulating your father, turns out you’re absolutely right! There is a polymorphism (genetic variation) of the DRD2 gene found to be associated with alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders including cocaine, nicotine, opioid dependence and obesity.
An article titled, Addiction and its reward process through polymorphisms of the D2 dopamine receptor gene reports that in an effort to compensate for deficiencies of the brain, one form of the DRD2 gene, the A1 allele, renders the dopamine system inefficient and rewards substance abuse that increases brain dopamine levels. In essence, people with this gene can have a super sensitivity to addictive stimuli.
In addition, an article titled, Neurogenetics of dopamine receptor super sensitivity about addiction relapse, said, “We propose that low D2 receptor density and polymorphisms of the D2 gene are associated with risk for relapse of substance abuse, including alcohol dependence, heroin craving, cocaine dependence, methamphetamine abuse, nicotine sensitization, and glucose craving.”
Is there a genetic component to addiction? Well, some researchers believe there is and addiction sure seems to run in families. Is it nature or nurture? Probably both.
As a sugar addict with alcoholism in her family, I believe I too have this DRD2 polymorphism in my gene pool mix and although I did a DNA healing on myself, what finally worked for me was to completely give up sugar almost three years ago.
You’ll never be able to totally avoid being around alcohol just like I can’t avoid being around sweets. We can however, limit it in our homes. You’ll figure out a way.
In the meantime, I did a DNA healing on you and suggest you consider talking with a licensed addiction specialist who can assist you. A good place to begin your confidential search is at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Another good resource is the therapist finder at Psychology Today.
You are absolutely on your life’s path and it includes an experience on the addiction adventure. Trust you’ll be led to the people you need who will act as your tour guides.