Four factors that contribute to alcohol use disorder may include family, environmental, personal choice, and genetics

Respond to post with 2 references APA 7th edition 2 paragraphs

Substance Abuse/Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

a. Discuss four factors that contribute to alcohol use disorder.

Four factors that contribute to alcohol use disorder may include family, environmental, personal choice, and genetics. Although the exact etiology of alcohol use disorder remains unknown, susceptibility to the disorder is likely multifactorial. Studies have shown that children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than the general population to develop alcohol problems. Children of alcoholics also have a higher risk for many other behavioral and emotional problems. Social and environmental factors such as peer pressure and the easy availability of alcohol can play key roles. Poverty and physical or sexual abuse also increase the odds of developing alcohol dependence. According to twin and adoption studies, approximately 50% of the liability is genetic, with the remaining 50% attributed to environmental factors (Verhulst, 2015). Individuals with a family history of alcoholism are at a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves. Personal choice to consume alcohol could be attributed to a person attempting an avoidance emotion and coping strategy to alleviate stress (Grunberg, 1998). Changes in the brain and in how genes are turned on and off, also referred to as neurobiological and epigenetic adaptations, are thought to contribute to alcohol use disorder. However, more research is needed to fully understand these factors.

b. Describe two interventions that APRN can implement towards the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

APNs could assist patients with Alcohol Use Disorder by screening  patients for alcohol abuse across major healthcare settings such as primary care clinics, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities, and inpatient units. APNs can also select appropriate pharmocotherapy and/or behavioral health treatments for patients with AUD. 

c. What roles does society play in the population of alcohol use disorders?

Society plays a huge role in AUD, individuals that hang with peers/groups that heavily drink, can strongly be influenced to drink as well. Easy access in communities with an increased number of liquor stores can lead to excessive consumption of alcohol due to the widespread availability (Chung et al, 2014). Many cultures may promote heavy drinking or pressure an individual to believe that alcohol is a social necessity thus leading to an increased risk of developing AUD. 

d. Identify the barriers to treatment of alcohol use disorder.

The goal of AUD treatment is to reduce alcohol intake or have complete cessation; this includes pharmacotherapy with or without behavioral treatments. Patients and their families must understand that AUD is a chronic medical condition where evidence-based treatments are available but success will only occur when the individual is ready to change/correct the disorder. Some treatment plans can cause barriers in treatment, sometimes resulting in noncompliance. For instance, disulfiram is a medication that causes uncomfortable reactions for the individual when alcohol is consumed, it seems to be most effective when the individual has someone ensuring they take the medication. Acamprosate can be effective for patients but t must be taken two to three timees a day, which can be difficult for some. Many of these medications are toxic to organs that are already damaged , so it is highly recommended to seek other sources to aid cessation. Behavioral treatments have also been proven effective but willingness to participate is the first step. Patients must keep in mind that behavioral therapy should not take the place of medication but inconjunction. 

References

Chung T, Pedersen SL, Kim KH, et al. Racial differences in type of alcoholic beverage consumed during adolescence in the Pittsburgh Girls Study. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 2014;38(1):285?293. doi: 10.1111/acer.12222.

Grunberg L, Moore S, Greenberg ES. Work stress and problem alcohol behavior: a test of the spillover model. J Organ Behav. 1998:487?502.Verhulst B, Neale MC, Kendler KS. The heritability of alcohol use disorders: a meta-analysis of twin and adoption studies. Psychol Med. 2015 Apr;45(5):1061-72. 

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