ABSTRACT
The scientific study of drugs of abuse is multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary, and the
core of these scientific efforts is to understand antecedents and consequences of
drug-related behaviors. Of greatest concern are those behaviors that can be harmful to
individuals, resulting in long-term adverse consequences for society. The scientific
disciplines range from genetic and molecular sciences through systems neuroscience, to
behavioral, clinical, and social sciences. The complex problems presented by alcohol and
drug abuse have demanded development of multilevel approaches together with well
defined animal models, which are now leading toward a broad-based understanding of
the impact of alcohol on both adult and developing organisms. With so many varied
scientific disciplines represented, one key to future progress in understanding and
discovery will be meaningful interchange and conceptual integration across different
levels of analysis among scientists whose expertise is usually concentrated in one level or
discipline. This summary chapter briefly describes some of the ways in which
collaborative, inter-disciplinary exchange can facilitate development of strategies of
intervention effective in reducing some of the consequences of alcohol abuse.