Substance Abuse and Abuse Q 22
Nurse Tara is teaching a community group about substance abuse. She explains that a genetic component has been implicated in which of the following commonly abused substances?
A. Alcohol
B. Barbiturates
C. Heroin
D. Marijuana
Correct Answer: A. Alcohol
Several chromosomes (1, 3, and 7) have been implicated in increased vulnerability to alcohol abuse. Statistics have shown that risk for alcohol abuse in first-degree relatives of alcohol abusers is as high as 40% to 60%. Most of the genetic research has been done related to alcohol. Some of the genes suspected include GABRG2 and GABRA2, COMT Val 158Met, DRD2 Taq1A, and KIAA0040. Personality disorders associated with the development of an alcohol use disorder include disinhibition and impulsivity-type disorders, as well as depressive and socialization-related disorders.
Option B: Barbiturate overdose can be intentional or unintentional. Decreased use of this controlled substance has led to a decrease in barbiturate-related fatalities. However, this medication should still be considered in cases of suspected overdose in patients with respiratory depression. A study in 2016 described two cases of intentional barbiturate overdose with medication purchased over the internet. These medications also can be obtained in laboratory settings as they are often used as buffers.
Option C: From 2002 through 2013, heroin overdoses went from 0.7 deaths per 100,000 to 2.7. In 2013, roughly 517,000 people reported heroin use in the past year, 1.5 times the amount in 2007. State and federal legislation are implementing diverse methods to curb this epidemic of heroin overdose deaths. The many infectious and economic effects of heroin dependence add to the risk of death.
Option D: Definitive data regarding genetic transmission is not available at this time for marijuana. Cannabis use varies based on demographics. Research shows college students, and young adults most commonly use cannabis to socially conform (42%), experiment (29%), and for enjoyment (24%). Twelve percent primarily use the agent to manage stress or relax consistent with other studies associating its use for depression, anxiety, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.