approaches may define the genetic contributions to larger scale polygenic phenomena that could be targeted behaviorally. For example if variation in multiple genes were implicated in explaining differential urge for alcohol (in a fashion that was not readily addressed through pharmacologic monotherapies), use of a genetically-defined “urge sensitivity” profile might be used to personalize treatment for such individuals to focus on urge management strategies behaviorally. This is not to suggest that there is no place for pharmacogenetic approaches in the treatment of alcohol dependence (in fact, the evidence suggests otherwise). Rather we highlight the possibility for combination pharmacotherapies and also targeting behavioral interventions using genetic information until such a time as targeted drug delivery and pharmacological target specificity is obtained (Pajer et al., 2012).
