Alcohol Abuse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Alcohol Abuse - Research Paper Example Health profiles of familial alcohol abuse show that accumulation of alcohol dependence in the family is partly brought about by genetic variables (Freeman, 2001). There is also proof of heightened familial combination of psychoactive substance dependence and misuse (Grant & Litvak, 1997). A number of studies have discovered enlarged levels of alcohol dependence and/or abuse in family members of substance abusers in comparison to family members of alcohol-dependent individuals or those from the mainstream population. According to the health profiles of familial alcohol abuse, genetic factors play a major role in alcohol dependency. The twin, adoption, and family research substantiate the familial transfer of drug and alcohol dependence and associate genetic variables (Stelle & Scott, 2007). Epidemiological research has demonstrated that alcohol dependence is often aggravated by comorbid psychiatric disorders (Freeman, 2001). It has been discovered that 47 percent of alcohol abusers ha ve another mental problem, and a large fraction of this comorbidity is attributed to substance abuse (Freeman, 2001, 62). Individuals with mental health disorders, like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety are also classified as high risk, since alcohol may be exploited as a way to self-medicate (Stelle & Scott, 2007). ... ns will discuss the assessment of familial alcohol abuse using the nursing theories of Dorothea Orem and Jean Watson, the appropriate nursing intervention strategies using different components of the family systems theory, and the role of the advanced practice nurse as a case manager of familial alcohol abuse. Applying Dorothea Orem’s and Jean Watson’s Theories in the Assessment of Familial Alcohol Abuse Dorothea Orem According to Dorothea Orem, when there is a possibility to adequately care for oneself and the person has the capacity to fulfill the possibility, self-care is feasible. If, on the contrary, the need or pressure is greater than the ability of the individual to satisfy it, a discrepancy arises and this is referred to as self-care deficit (Freeman, 2001). The self-care deficit theory is the heart of the grand theory of nursing of Orem for it defines when nursing is required. Nursing is needed when an adult does not have the capacity to provide continuous nee ded self-care (Grant & Litvak, 1997). Orem’s theory then can be applied to the assessment of familial alcohol abuse in several ways. In order to discern self-care capacity of a family member experiencing alcohol dependency, a thorough assessment should also determine aspects in the person’s life that are more prone to motivate excessive alcohol consumption. These aspects, usually quite permanent and fixed personal features may give the background situation that compels individuals toward alcohol dependency, varying drinking behavior, and capably enhanced risk of regression (Grant & Litvak, 1997). From a clinical point of view, putting emphasis on these background situations may aid in determining individuals who have the capacity to self-care. A vital background feature in relation to this is an