Are polygenic scores for psychiatric and substance use... : Psychiatric Genetics of medicine where polygenic scores (PGS) are already being incorporated. We evaluate current PGS across three areas of psychiatry (depression, substance use disorders, and schizophrenia) against the criteria used by the National Electronic Medical Records and Genomics consortium to select PGS to study in a clinical context, finding that the PGS for psychiatric conditions are comparable to the PGS being implemented in clinical practice for other medical conditions. We conclude by discussing ne...

PGS for psychiatric outcomes are often labeled “not ready.” But many tools already used in medicine aren’t perfect—they’re useful.

In my new paper: Let’s move beyond readiness → and start asking how these tools can be used to improve prevention and care. ➡️ https://loom.ly/LKEC-ZI

#Cannabis today isn’t what it used to be. #THC levels are 5–7x higher than decades ago, with edibles even stronger—often appealing to kids. As we mark Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention Week with the #AddictionPolicyForum, here’s a quick, evidence-based read ➡️ https://loom.ly/9y_LAVU

Addiction Policy Forum Launches Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention and Awareness Week The Addiction Policy Forum launched the inaugural Cannabis Use Disorder Prevention and Awareness Week, April 15-22. The national educational initiative aims to increase public understanding of cannabis use disorder, symptoms of cannabis use disorder, highlight emerging health risks, and promote prevention efforts.As cannabis use continues to rise across the United States, public perception of its risks remains low. However, research shows that an estimated 20.6 million people meet the criteria f

As cannabis use rises across the U.S., public perception of risk remains low.

~20.6M people meet criteria for cannabis use disorder.

This week’s awareness initiative from the #AddictionPolicyForum is a reminder: we need to lead with science.: https://loom.ly/1lZ2YpU

Excited to see our Nature Mental Health paper featured in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly. Genetic risk for addiction isn’t substance-specific-it reflects broader brain processes. Using data from 2.2M+ individuals, we identified shared & specific pathways. Read more: go.rutgers.edu/up31fhi7

Looking forward to speaking at the Waggoner Center Advance on April 8. I’ll be sharing how advances in genetics are reshaping how we understand and treat substance use disorders. Excited to join a day of incredible science and conversation with colleagues in the field: https://loom.ly/DGStUuI

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Opioid Addictions Share Genetic Roots - Neuroscience News Researchers analyze 2.2 million genomes to show that addiction risk is primarily driven by broad genes affecting brain wiring and impulse control, not drug-specific traits.

New coverage of our work in Nature Mental Health:

Across 2.2M+ individuals, we found that most genetic risk for addiction isn’t about any one substance—it’s about how the brain is wired for reward, impulse control, and decision-making: https://loom.ly/jDQltNI

Genes Tied to Impulse Control Play a Major Role in Addiction Risk n analysis of 2.2 million people reveals both shared and substance-specific genetic pathways for addiction risk, showing that vulnerability is rooted more in brain wiring than in any single substance

Excited to share our new paper in Nature Mental Health!

Analyzing data from 2.2M+ individuals, we found most genetic risk for addiction reflects how the brain is wired for reward & impulse control—not any single substance: https://loom.ly/ml-0aNE

Enjoyed speaking at the first Med Staff Quarterly Meeting of the year about how genetics is helping us move toward a future where we can identify risk earlier and prevent addiction before it starts.

Babson Health Entrepreneurial Leader Network: Substance Use Disorders Babson SUD Sprint: Tackling the Drug Crisis with Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Initial Application & Assessment

One of my biggest takeaways from the Babson SUD Sprint was understanding what sits between a strong idea and real-world impact. The program helps researchers think about commercialization, execution, and moving solutions forward. Apply by March 27: https://loom.ly/eNFOgco

Babson Health Entrepreneurial Leader Network: Substance Use Disorders Babson Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Sprint

I participated in the Babson SUD Sprint and it was a fantastic experience. A great opportunity to explore how entrepreneurship can help translate addiction research into real-world impact.

Apply by March 27: https://loom.ly/eNFOgco

Curious by Nature | Dr. Danielle Dick - Why Some Kids Are More Vulnerable to Addiction | Newswise Most people will encounter alcohol or other substances at some point in their lives. For many, that use remains occasional and manageable. For others, it becomes something far more disruptive.

Why are some kids more vulnerable to #addiction than others? I joined the #Newswise #CuriousbyNature podcast to to discuss how personality, g#enetics, and brain development shape risk, and why prevention starts with understanding each child as an individual.
🎧 Watch here: https://loom.ly/qj7W4AQ

Tune into my interview on #passagetoprofit Show!

Sat - Sun, January 17 - 18 on Radio America Network stations: loom.ly/T8yJsfc

Sunday, January 18 @ 7:30 am ET on Radio Garden State: loom.ly/81r8H3o

Sunday, January 18 @ 11 pm ET on iHeartRadio / WOR710: loom.ly/NfTvCv4

Why some people can’t stay away from alcohol, even when they know it’s hurting them | CNN Health experts caution against drinking too much, but alcohol is everywhere. Experts say the things that make us pour another drink are in our body and environment.

Alcohol affects people differently because risk is shaped by genetics, environment, and motivation — not just how much you drink. I spoke with CNN about why drinking exists on a continuum and why even small reductions can matter.

www.cnn.com/2026/01/09/h...

Wishing our RARC/BHI community a holiday season filled with warmth, connection, and meaningful moments. We’re deeply grateful for your support and engagement, and look forward to staying connected and building together in 2026.

Captivated by the idea of picture-perfect holidays, complete with matching pajamas and hot chocolate by the fire? 🎄✨ Real life, however, tends to be a bit messier. My blog dives into the reality of holiday chaos, complete with humorous bloopers: loom.ly/RlQX4hs

Worried about your drinking or a loved one? Here’s how to find help for alcohol problems

When it comes to alcohol and health, the information out there can be overwhelming, especially during the holidays. I always start with the science, and I’ve gathered my go-to resources to help you recognize problems and find evidence-based support: loom.ly/r-HF6YU

Still have Christmas shopping to do? THE CHILD CODE makes a great gift for anyone who is a parent (or planning to be)! 😊🎄✨ Available at TheChildCode.com or anywhere books are sold.

Campus Surge 2025: Rutgers University - New Brunswick Mobilize Recovery is bringing the Campus Surge 2025 initiative to Rutgers University as part of a nationwide effort to address the challenges of substance use and mental health among college students.

@rutgersarc.bsky.social is tabling at the Resource Fair 5–6 PM! Stop by to learn about our latest research & initiatives. After, hear from Leadership Council members Creighton Drury (Partnership to End Addiction) & Lauren Sisler (ESPN).
loom.ly/HqBam_o

New to NIH grant writing? Join the 5-session virtual mini-course (Jan 5–9, 2026; 2–3:30 pm ET) helps you turn good ideas into competitive K/R apps. Open to trainees, postdocs, faculty & clinicians at U.S. institutions (Rutgers not required): loom.ly/Yg9BkFw

Rutgers folks 📣 Online registration for the @rutgersarc.bsky.social Fall Symposium closes today at 5 PM. Join us Sept. 5 at Rutgers Busch Student Center for a full day of science & collaboration—featuring keynote Dr. Huda Akil, invited talks, panel, posters & more. Don’t miss it: loom.ly/EGW3YgA

New article w/ @j9austin.bsky.social Genomics is moving fast –but how do we share #genetic risk info for psychiatric & substance use disorders in ways that help, not harm? We call for urgent research to guide best practices & real-world impact.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

Study Sheds Light on Early Risk Factors for Teen Drinking

Our Rutgers-led study followed nearly 12,000 youth from age 9. Key finding: while the home environment strongly shapes when teens first try alcohol, the decision to continue is driven more by individual factors like genetic predispositions and sensation-seeking:
www.rutgers.edu/news/study-s...

#ThrowbackThursday to stepping onto the TED stage to talk about something that touches all of us — #substanceuse and #mentalhealth.

1 in 4 people will experience these challenges in their lifetime. In my talk, I share what drives them and how we can all be part of the solution ➡️ loom.ly/_SXgCAM

If you’re at #RSA in New Orleans, come by the #RARC Meet-Up this evening. I’ll be there along with my colleagues from the Rutgers Addiction Research Center—hope to see you!

More laypeople are prepared to intervene during opioid overdoses, but misconceptions persist Public messaging in recent years about keeping naloxone handy has shown considerable success, but more work is needed to overcome perceived barriers

Important read from Peter Attia, MD on why everyone—not just clinicians—should carry #naloxone. Being prepared can save a life. Let’s change the culture around overdose response.
📖 loom.ly/92QRfa0

Honored to speak at the HELIX NJ Discovery Showcase about how we're using #genomics, behavioral, and environmental science to advance addiction risk identification. Exciting day for Rutgers research!
Learn more 🔗 loom.ly/wAyOGyE

#ThriveGenetics #RutgersResearch

I’m excited to be speaking at the inaugural HELIX NJ Discovery Showcase on April 29—a day dedicated to spotlighting Rutgers researchers and groundbreaking science. I’ll be sharing how we’re using #genomics to help end the #addictionepidemic. Registration is free and open to all: loom.ly/_n5hQow

Unlocking Parenting with Science with Dr. Danielle Dick Child Psych Podcast Episode #120 Hello and welcome to The Child Psych Podcast. I'm Tania Johnson, a registered psychologist, registered play therapist,

🎙️🧬 New Podcast Episode! I joined the Institute of Child Psychology podcast to dive into how #genetics influence traits like #Extraversion, #Emotionality & #EffortfulControl and why adapting to your child’s natural wiring is key. #ScienceOfParenting

🔗 instituteofchildpsychology.com/unlocking-pa...

🚀Introducing #CARES: The Comprehensive Addiction Risk Evaluation System. #CARES empowers individuals with personalized insights so they can take proactive steps toward #prevention, #treatment, and long-term #wellbeing. #KnowYourRisk #PersonalizedHealth

Learn more 🔗 addictionrisk.com

Alcohol use in Early Midlife: Findings from the Age 37 Follow-Up Assessment of the FinnTwin12 Cohort - Behavior Genetics This paper provides an overview of the most recent assessment, collected in early midlife, of the FinnTwin12 cohort, a population-based study of Finnish twins born in 1983–1987. The twins were invited...

New paper out describing the latest mid-life data collection on the longitudinal FinnTwin12 study. I cleaned and analyzed the first wave of data from this project (when they were age 12!) when I was a graduate student…and now they are 37!

link.springer.com/article/10.1...