Polymorphisms of the DRD2 , ANKK1 , DAT1 , DBH , and DRD4 genes have been found to moderate the effects of pharmacotherapy  of alcohol , opioid , and cocaine use disorders .
The integration of genetic information with clinical data will inform health professionals of the most efficacious pharmacotherapeutic intervention for substance use disorders .
Substance use disorders have significant personal , familial , and societal consequences .
Despite the serious consequences of substance use , only a few therapies are effective in treating substance use disorders , thus highlighting a need for improved treatment practice s. Substance use treatment response depends on multiple factors such as genetic , biological , and social factors .
It is essential that each component is represented in treatment plans .
The dopaminergic system plays a critical role in the pharmacotherapy for addictions , and an underst and ing of the role of variation of genes involved in this system is essential for its success .
The DRD4 VNTR polymorphism moderates craving after alcohol consumption.
Recent research has suggested that alterations in mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission are central to the development and expression of craving for alcohol . Because the D4 dopamine receptor gene , variable numbers of t and em repeats ( DRD4 VNTR ) polymorphism putatively expresses functional differences in dopamine receptors , the present study tested whether this polymorphism influences the effects of a priming dose of alcohol on craving .  Participants consumed 3 alcoholic drinks or 3 control drinks and completed measures of craving  after each drink .  Participants who were homozygous or heterozygous for the 7 ( or longer ) repeat allele were classified as DRD4 L , whereas the other participants were classified as DRD4 S. Results suggested that DRD4 L participants demonstrated significantly higher craving after consumption of alcohol as compared with the control beverage
Polymorphisms of the DRD2 , ANKK1 , DAT1 , DBH , and DRD4 genes have been found to moderate the effects of pharmacotherapy  of alcohol , opioid , and cocaine use disorders .
The integration of genetic information with clinical data will inform health professionals of the most efficacious pharmacotherapeutic intervention for substance use disorders .
Substance use disorders have significant personal , familial , and societal consequences .
Despite the serious consequences of substance use , only a few therapies are effective in treating substance use disorders , thus highlighting a need for improved treatment practice s. Substance use treatment response depends on multiple factors such as genetic , biological , and social factors .
It is essential that each component is represented in treatment plans .
The dopaminergic system plays a critical role in the pharmacotherapy for addictions , and an underst and ing of the role of variation of genes involved in this system is essential for its success .