Judy Shepps Battle

In the following viewpoint Judy Shepps Battle claims that both genetic and environmental factors determine whether a person will develop an addiction. According to Battle, twin studies show that the children of addicts are more likely to become addicts themselves; however, environmental factors such as living in a poor, urban neighborhood also increase the likelihood that children will become addicts. One of the most important environmental factor is home life; people who come from loving, structured families are less likely to succumb to addiction, Battle maintains. Prevention programs designed to counteract environmental factors may provide potential addicts with the skills they need to escape addiction, she concludes. Battle, president of Write Action Inc., an organization devoted to helping writers promote positive social change, writes on spirituality and addiction.

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