Alcoholism and drug addiction: what determines vulnerability?: Biological Vulnerability to Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, FASEB Summer Research Conference, Copper Mountain, CO, USA, 1–6 August 1999

Abstract

Alcoholism and drug addiction are complex behavioral disorders influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Individual differences in vulnerability are produced by unique combinations of these variables working through a variety of neurobiological systems to determine how likely an individual is to develop the compulsive pattern of excessive intake that characterizes addiction to alcohol, heroin, cocaine and other abused drugs. These statements reflect recurring themes addressed by participants in this third FASEB conference on addiction. Although much of the program focused on recent findings from laboratory studies in animals, the animal work was nicely complemented by laboratory and population studies in humans, including work devoted to treatment and medication development. Nearly one-third of the presentations specifically addressed genetic influences on vulnerability. Most of the remaining participants considered the issue of vulnerability in terms of behavioral/environmental influences or by examining specific neurobiological mechanisms. This report highlights a subset of the many interesting issues and phenomena discussed at the conference.