For Immediate Release: Friday, October 23, 2026, 8:25 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Evelyn Mantegani, +1 240-833-2014, [email protected]
Rockville, Md. – Why do some people who use cocaine or opioids develop an addiction while others do not? Researchers are turning to an unexpected source for answers: model organisms that share many fundamental biological processes with humans.
Researchers will explore how studies of model organisms can help scientists understand the genetic and biological factors that influence substance use and addiction risk. By combining these experimental models with human genetics research, they are uncovering clues that could ultimately point toward more effective treatments.
Studying substance use disorders in human populations presents significant challenges. People have varied genetic backgrounds and life experiences, and factors such as other psychiatric conditions, criminalization, and the complex structure of the human genome can make research difficult to interpret. Model organisms allow scientists to study specific genes and biological pathways under carefully controlled conditions, helping them separate genetic influences from environmental ones.
This session offers a compelling look at one of addiction research’s most urgent questions: how genetics may influence vulnerability, resilience, and individual differences. It will also highlight how discoveries across species can move scientists closer to new strategies for preventing and treating substance use disorders.
About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the leading global organization advancing the science of human genetics and genomics. Representing nearly 8,000 researchers, clinicians, genetic counselors, educators, and other professionals, ASHG drives progress in understanding the human genome and its role in health and disease. The Society fosters innovation and collaboration through its flagship events and publications—including the ASHG Annual Meeting and its peer-reviewed journals The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances. ASHG also champions science advocacy, supports the next generation of genetics professionals, and promotes responsible policies and public engagement in genetics. Learn more at www.ashg.org.
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