Description

This module will review evidence for a genetic contribution to the development of substance use disorders and how genetic and environmental factors play a role. The module will discuss the relevant genes that play a role in substance use disorders and evaluate concepts and possible reasons for missed heritability and epigenetic modification. Finally, this module will explain the potential role genetic testing can have as it relates to substance use disorder.

Module Objectives

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate that there is strong evidence for a genetic contribution to development of substance use disorders.
2. Recognize that substance use disorder is a complex trait caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
3. Discuss how relevant genes for substance use disorder are identified.
4. Evaluate the concepts and possible reasons for missing heritability and epigenetic modification.
5. Identify the shared genetic liabilities to other conditions as it relates to substance use disorder.
6. Explain the potential role of genetic testing as it relates to substance use disorder.