While an animal model that expresses the desired phenotype is a good starting point, an animal model that expresses both genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of the disorder is preferred. Thus, selectively bred high alcohol-consuming rat lines are ideally suited for this work. Similarly, greater use of genetic screening via blood samples will provide important information about the effects of off-the-shelf compounds that have been approved for other disorders when treated in alcohol abusing or dependent individuals. Finally, the continued use, and development, of advanced neuroimaging techniques will also provide vital information on brain regions of interest as putative sites of action for different compounds when evaluated in alcoholics, polysubstance abusers, healthy controls, and individuals suffering from dual, or multiple, psychiatric disorders. In summary, progress has been made in developing treatments for alcohol abuse and dependence; however, continued biochemical, genetic, and behavioral research is required to further develop pharmacotherapies tailored to an individual’s genetic, neurochemical, physiological and psychological make-up.
