New insights into the genetics of addiction

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Abstract
Genome-wide linkage and association studies have reliably implicated a growing number of genes in susceptibility to addiction. An emerging theme is the substantial overlap in loci that are associated with addiction to multiple substances. Drug addiction is a common brain disorder that is extremely costly to the individual and to society. Genetics contributes significantly to vulnerability to this disorder, but identification of susceptibility genes has been slow. Recent genome-wide linkage and association studies have implicated several regions and genes in addiction to various substances, including alcohol and, more recently, tobacco. Current efforts aim not only to replicate these findings in independent samples but also to determine the functional mechanisms of these genes and variants.