Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)

Academic Term

Summer 2017

Document Type

Project

Course Number

N5330

Course Name

Advanced Pathophysiology

Professor’s Name

Dr. John Chovan

Keywords

opiate addiction, opiate abuse, genetic influences on addiction, genetics of addiction

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

Abstract

The effects of addiction and the present opioid crisis can not only be felt at the individual level of the addict but throughout all aspects of society. From the infant born addicted to heroin, to the family members begging their loved ones to make a change, to the medical personnel with the responsibility of caring for those with drug seeking or violent behavior needing their next fix, the drug problem in America is one that can no longer be ignored. The number of unintentional drug overdoses in Ohio has grown from 411 in 2000 to a staggering 3050 in 2015, currently averaging 8 deaths per day in Ohio alone (Ohio Department of Health [ODH], 2017).

It is thought that genetic influences account for 40-60% of one’s vulnerability to addiction. These, combined with environmental influences including social, familial, work, and financial factors, help to determine the likelihood of addiction (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014). Having a strong knowledge of the genetic factors associated with an increased likelihood of addition can help the provider in decision making regarding treatment options. By identifying the genetic alterations and the effects they have on an individual, providers have the opportunity to provide individualized care targeted at those most susceptible to addiction (Levran, Yuferov, & Kreek, 2012).

Included in

Nursing Commons

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