Story perspectives

Rutgers Study Links Genetics to Substance Use Disorders

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Rutgers Health study, led by Holly Poore of Rutgers Health, analyzed genetic data from over 2.2 million individuals to identify risk factors for substance use disorders.
It found two pathways: a broad externalizing pathway tied to disinhibition, and substance-specific pathways for each drug.
The findings suggest genetic predisposition relates more to brain function than to drug response.
Researchers call for more diverse genomic research to improve prevention and treatment.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Rutgers Health study, led by Holly Poore of Rutgers Health, analyzed genetic data from over 2.2 million individuals to identify risk factors for substance use disorders.
It found two pathways: a broad externalizing pathway tied to disinhibition, and substance-specific pathways for each drug.
The findings suggest genetic predisposition relates more to brain function than to drug response.
Researchers call for more diverse genomic research to improve prevention and treatment.