Write a term paper that contains five full pages describing alcohol-related disorders from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Describe the disorder in terms of symptoms, describe biological, psychological, and social causes of the disorder and include information about treatment.
Symptoms may be described in terms of emotional symptoms, cognitive symptoms, behavioral symptoms, somatic symptoms, and impairment in social and occupational functioning.
Biological explanations may include the following: Brain structure and function, genetics, hormones, evolution/natural selection, neurotransmitters (oversupply, under supply, dysfunction)
Psychological explanations may include the following: Learning, memory, personality traits, cognition (thought patterns), trauma/stress, emotion/mood
Sociocultural explanations may include the following: Gender roles, socioeconomic status, locations (city or rural), school/education, cultural values, poverty
Treatment may include medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, group therapy, client centered therapy
Sample Solution
Alcohol-related disorders are a range of medical conditions caused by the chronic abuse of alcohol. Alcohol addiction is a complex disorder, partly because it involves multiple biological, psychological, and social factors. Symptoms of an alcohol related disorder may include emotional symptoms such as feelings of guilt or shame, cognitive symptoms such as poor decision making abilities and confusion, behavioral difficulties such as irritability or loss of control over drinking habits, somatic problems like disrupted sleep patterns and increased heart rate, and impaired functioning in both social and occupational contexts.
Sample Solution
Alcohol-related disorders are a range of medical conditions caused by the chronic abuse of alcohol. Alcohol addiction is a complex disorder, partly because it involves multiple biological, psychological, and social factors. Symptoms of an alcohol related disorder may include emotional symptoms such as feelings of guilt or shame, cognitive symptoms such as poor decision making abilities and confusion, behavioral difficulties such as irritability or loss of control over drinking habits, somatic problems like disrupted sleep patterns and increased heart rate, and impaired functioning in both social and occupational contexts.
Biological explanations for alcohol-related disorders have been studied extensively. One theory suggests that these disorders result from the long-term effects on brain structure and function due to repeated exposure to alcohol consumption (i.e., neuroadaptation). Research has also pointed to genetic influences on alcoholism susceptibility; some individuals may be predisposed to become dependent upon it due to their family history or inherited genes. Hormonal influences may also play a role in developing an addiction – when dopamine levels are abnormally high after regular heavy drinking episodes, this can lead to intense cravings for more alcohol even after its effects have diminished. Additionally, evolutionary/natural selection theories exist which suggest that humans had adapted natural mechanisms for surviving what was initially thought to be life-threatening exposures to certain substances (alcohol being one) which could then become addictive behaviours in modern times with no immediate threat posed by those substances. Finally, there is evidence suggesting dysfunction in neurotransmitters including serotonin imbalance due oversupply or under supply may contribute significantly towards developing an addiction despite other possible causes involved
Psychological factors linked with alcoholism include learning processes where learned behaviors associated with reward continue even after negative consequences occur; memory issues contributing where positive reinforcement occurs leading people’s thoughts back towards substance use; personality traits characterized by impulsivity risk taking behavior and low self esteem which can lead someone into problematic situations involving substances; cognition meaning distorted thinking patterns leading people away from rational decision making processes associated with substance use ; traumatic experiences leading individuals into using substances as coping mechanisms ;and finally mood swings resultingfrom chemical imbalances due often time’s too much stress
Sociocultural aspects influencing chemical dependency involve gender roles which imply societal expectations about how certain genders should act causing themto turn towards drugs/alcohol out of fear not meeting those standards ; socioeconomic status providing lower class families access resources used for drugs/alcohol but not necessarily educational opportunities helping them avoid becoming addicts ;locationswhere city living brings higher chancesof exposureto illicit material versus rural settings protecting citizens from those vices ; school /education system failing low income families unabletoprovide guidancefor their childrenon howtostay away from drugs/alcohol usage; cultural values attachedto certain minority groups pushing theminto drug usage based socially accepted norms amongthose particular demographics ;and finally poverty preventing familiesfrom having basic necessities necessaryfor survivalcreating desperationthat leads otherwise law abiding citizensto turn towardscrime includingdrug traffickingas meansof simple survival
Treatment options available depend heavily onboth the typeof disorderaffectingsomeone affectedby substanceuseas well asthe individual’swillingness tobetterthemselves . Medicationssuch asdisulfiram (Antabuse),naltrexone , acamprosate , anticonvulsantshelp reduce cravingsand withdrawal symptoms associatedwith recovery . Cognitive therapycan help challenge irrationalthoughtscausing users toputthemselves in dangeroussituations whilebehaviortherapieslike motivationalinterviewing helps patientsto stay within theirtreatment plan goals . Lastlygrouptherapy provides individualsaffectedby substance misusea chance toreceive peer supportnecessary during recoveryprocesses whileclient centered therapiesallow professionals workingwith patients develop tailored recoveryprograms suiting each person’sneeds besthopefully guaranteeinghigher successrates during treatmentprocedures
