While there is unequivocal evidence for a heritable component to substance use disorders (Dick et al., 2009), the importance of environmental contributions cannot be disputed (Hawkins et al., 1992). For example, disruptive adolescents are more likely to experience a number of the known environmental risks for substance use disorders, including weak attachment to and conflicted relationships with parents (Barkley et al., 1991a; Burt et al., 2005a. 2005b; Danforth et al., 1991) poor performance in and less strong attachment to school (Barkley et al., 1991b; Hinshaw, 2002; Lambert, 1988), and affiliation with deviant peer models (Keyes et al., 2007). A consequence of these exposures is an acquired greater tolerance for behavioral deviance, the rejection of conventional norms against rule breaking and substance use, and resulting elevated rates of substance disorders (Jessor et al., 1991). Longitudinal approaches are needed to explore how inherited vulnerability affects an adolescent's profile of environmental risk and the subsequent development of substance use disorders.
