Pharmacogenomics of Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse

Pharmacogenomics is the basis of personalized medicine, which is said to be the medicine of the future. Understanding genetic variation in drug and alcohol response is vital for professionals working in rehabilitation programs. The same principles that are applicable for therapeutic drugs are also applicable for drugs of abuse. Pharmacogenomics can supplement traditional therapeutic drug monitoring, potentially predicting correct dosage before initiation of the drug therapy. Applyingthese principles to testing and treatment, Pharmacogenomics of Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse discusses the role of the clinical laboratory in the practice of personalized medicine. With contributions from a range of experts, the book presents the genetic aspects of alcohol metabolism and other drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines. In addition to basic pharmacogenomic aspects, the book addresses slate and trait markers of drugs of abuse so readers can consider setting appropriate biomarker tests in their clinical laboratory.