Abstract: Disclosed are method for predicting naltrexone response in subjects with AUD. In some embodiments, the methods include performing or having performed one or more methylation assays on a genomic DNA sample isolated from the subject to determine the methylation status of one or more regions of the isolated genomic DNA, wherein the one or more regions are subsequences of a gene selected from a mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene, a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, and a dopamine transporter (SLC6A3) gene, wherein the methylation status of the one or more regions of the isolated genomic DNA determined is predictive of naltrexone response in the subject. Also provided are method for treating patients diagnosed with AUD with the medication naltrexone based on a methylation status of a combination of specific methylation sites located associated with an OPRM1 gene, a COMT gene, and/or an SLC6A3 gene in obtained from each AUD patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating disorders associated with dopamine receptor activity. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include assaying the nucleic acid from a subject for the genotype of the variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the dopamine transporter DAT1/SLC6A3 gene, wherein when one or two alleles for 9 tandem repeats is detected a dopamine partial agonist is administered to the subject; and wherein when two alleles for 10 tandem repeats is detected a dopamine modulator is not administered to the subject. Also provided are methods for treating disorders associated with dopamine receptor activity that include genotyping a subject with respect to a COMT polymorphism, a DRD2 polymorphism, a 48-base-pair VNTR polymorphism in DRD4 exon 3, and/or a ANKK1 TaqA1 polymorphism, and methods for detecting susceptibility to dopamine modulator therapy for conditions associated with dopamine receptor activity.