Downstate Researchers Contribute to Major Global Study on Addiction Risk
By Office of the President | Apr 14, 2026
Two of Downstate’s researchers contributed to a major international study that is advancing understanding of addiction risk and reinforcing Downstate’s role in one of the nation’s longest-running research efforts in this field. Published in Nature Mental Health, the study analyzed genetic data from more than 2.2 million individuals, identifying both shared and substance-specific pathways linked to substance use disorders.
Contributors from Downstate include Peter B. Barr, Ph.D., Social Determinants of Health Lead in the Institute for Genomic Health and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, and Christos Chatzinakos, Ph.D., of the Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Lab in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Barr served as a senior author on the study.
The findings show that addiction risk reflects a combination of factors, including behavioral traits such as impulsivity and biological responses to specific substances. These combined influences affect both the likelihood of initiating use and the risk of continued use. The study also demonstrates the value of analyzing substance use disorders alongside related behavioral traits, improving the ability to identify underlying biological mechanisms.
These findings have direct implications for patient care. A clearer understanding of how genetic and behavioral factors interact can help clinicians identify risk earlier, tailor prevention strategies, and guide more personalized treatment approaches. This can improve outcomes, reduce relapse, and support more targeted care across diverse patient populations.
This work draws on data and scientific leadership from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism, an NIH-supported national research program for which Downstate’s Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Lab serves as a primary institutional hub and grant recipient. The study has followed families over multiple generations for more than 35 years. It continues to inform understanding of genetic and environmental influences on substance use and related conditions.
The study reflects a broad international collaboration across leading academic and research institutions, highlighting the impact of sustained, large-scale research partnerships.
Citation: Poore, H.E., Chatzinakos, C., Leger, B. et al. Multivariate genetic analyses of 2.2 million individuals reveal broad and substance-specific pathways of addiction risk. Nature Mental Health (2026).
Tags: Research