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Addiction Expert Blames Britney's Current Mental State to Genetics

by Medindia Content Team on Nov 22 2007 3:06 PM

An expert in addiction and substance abuse has expressed that troubled singer Britney Spears’ problems could have their roots in her childhood.

Dr. Drew Pinsky said that the traumas in the 25-year-old pop star’s past, her father’s substance abuse, and a family history of mental imbalance, might explain her current mental state.

The expert added that he was sure the star had sought treatment for drug problems at clinics in the past, adding that childhood troubles would make it harder for her to kick the habit.

“She’s sort of our new Michael Jackson,” Usmagazine.com quoted Dr. Pinsky, as saying.

Dr Pinskey further said that genetics may have led to the star's alleged problems with substance abuse.

"At least 60 per cent of addiction is accounted for on the basis of genetics. I've never treated an addict that didn't have a family history of the disease. You have to inherit it from somewhere,” he said.

"It's how her father treated her, it's the divorce and it's the genetics,” he added.

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The healthcare professional stressed that a family history of addiction could result in later generations having the same problems.

“She has a parent with an addiction. Just by having a parent with addiction puts you at about a 50 percent risk for having your own addiction problem,” he said.

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“But, just because you have a genetic heritage doesn't mean you're going to get an addiction. A childhood trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, will also propel a person towards full-blown addiction,” he added.

Source-ANI
SRM/P


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