The Genetics of Addiction: Where Do We Go From Here?

We have made tremendous progress in understanding the genetic epidemiology of substance use problems. We understand a good deal about the genetic architecture of substance use disorders with respect to other psychiatric conditions, and how genetic influences change across development and as a function of the environment. We are further behind in identifying specific genes involved in substance use disorders. However, rather than blindly charging ahead with expensive gene identification efforts, our field would benefit from more thoughtful discussion about what strategies to pursue-both genetic and environmental-to have the greatest impact on reducing substance use problems.