Genetic studies of substance abuse

Genetic studies of substance abuse indicate that variation in the risk for the disorder in the population is contributed by differences in both indivi dual genotypes and environment. Recent developments in genetics raise the p ossibility of disentangling the complex system of genotype-environment inte raction that determines the development of the individual behavioral phenot ype. This paper reviews the concepts, methods and results pertaining to gen etic investigation of substance abuse. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.