Phenotypic variability in AUD is influenced by two major components: (1) environment and (2) genes. AUD are significantly polygenic and are highly heterogeneous making it a great challenge to define a specific universal set of genetic and environmental factors that influence risk across every population affected. Therefore, AUD are not unlike other common complex diseases or disorders such as diabetes, asthma or cancer. The ubiquitous problem of pervasive heterogeneity observed in many common diseases including AUD has ushered in the era of personalized medicine which is hoped to replace the largely unsuccessful one-size fits all approach to treatment. In this regard genomic medicine is particularly relevant to fulfilling the goals of tailoring treatments based on an individual's genomic makeup. This is highly relevant to expanding the range of pharmacotherapies for the significantly unmet medical needs of those affected with a AUD.
