The Role of Environment, Early Use, Genetic Influences, and Neurobiology in Substance Use Disorder

Linda Stone; Christine Bazik Kress

doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2023.01.001

The Role of Environment, Early Use, Genetic Influences, and Neurobiology in Substance Use Disorder

Nurs Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;58(2):121-131. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2023.01.001.

Authors

Linda Stone¹, Christine Bazik Kress²

Affiliations

¹ University of North Carolina Greensboro DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, 124 East Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27406, USA. Electronic address: lastone@uncg.edu.
² University of North Carolina Greensboro DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, 124 East Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27406, USA.

PMID: 37105648
DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2023.01.001

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) have dire consequences for the individual, family, and community. Although SUDs were once viewed as a moral issue, they are now understood to be complex, chronic brain illnesses associated with both genetic and non-genetic influences. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes SUDs associated with the use of 10 different substances, for example, alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cannabis, caffeine, hallucinogens, inhalants, sedatives, hypnotics, and stimulants. Environmental exposure to substances, early use, genetic influences, and neurobiology have all been correlated with an increased likelihood of the development of SUDs. Having a broader understanding of these complex disorders is key for prevention.

Keywords: Early use; Environment; Genetics; Neurobiology; Substance use disorder.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ethanol
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives
Neurobiology*
Substance-Related Disorders* / genetics
United States

Substances

Ethanol
Hypnotics and Sedatives