First, potential developmental pathways leading to alcohol use disorders will be identified by synthesizing the behavioral attributes observed in individuals at high risk for AUD. Next, neuropsychological and neurophysiological characteristics of offspring of alcoholics will be reviewed for possible identification of predisposing risk factors. Finally, neural underpinnings of these core deficits are proposed, and alterations in brain circuitry in individuals at elevated risk for AUD are discussed. A neural diathesis model will be introduced as a framework for future endeavors in the research and treatment of AUD.
