The nurse is preparing material for a staff development presentation on substance abuse. Which information should the nurse include that addresses the family history of substance abuse?

Question

Select all that apply.
1. There is a genetic link between having an alcoholic parent and developing problems related to substance use.
2. These genetic issues are more often related to alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use.
3. One type of genetically related alcoholism is associated with an antisocial personality disorder, early use, and an inability to stop drinking.
4. The patient has an increased likelihood of developing substance use problems when the mother of the patient is an alcoholic rather than the father.
5. Some studies indicate that adolescents who are more genetically prone to develop alcoholism were less likely to have other types of substance use problems.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3

Children of alcoholics have a greater risk for developing substance use problems. These types of genetic issues lead to problems with alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use. One type of alcoholism seen mostly in the sons of alcoholic fathers is associated with an inability to abstain, early onset, and an antisocial personality. These types of genetic issues are typically found in male relatives. Studies have shown that dopamine has been identified as the primary neurotransmitter responsible for sustaining the addictive quality of drugs and for increasing drug-seeking behavior.