Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization Is The Msn Role I Have Chose
Family nurse practitioner specialization, is the MSN role I have chosen to pursue. I am interested in further researching the Healthy People 2020 goal regarding substance abuse; "Reduce substance abuse to protect the health, safety, and quality of life for all, especially children" (HHS, 2018). I have personally witnessed friends and family suffer from various forms of substance abuse; causing a magnitude of problems, including health and legal issues. My library search strategy included the use of the CINAHL database, I set the criteria to search within the last 5 years, English language only, and used the Boolean phrase "substance abuse". My search yielded 7,916 results; which I was able to narrow it down to 3,879 results by selecting the source type "academic journals" only.
The literature is overwhelming, there is a plethora of research on substance abuse. The first article I encountered involves substance abuse in adolescents; which I find to be one of the most important areas to focus on, the study showed that most of the users had initiated substance abuse during 15-18 years of age, with peer pressure, curiosity and sense of growing being the primary causes (Sharma, 2015). Also there is a higher presence of substance abuse with mentally ill patients; the study showed that patients with mental illness are 50% more prone to substance abuse than patient without mental illness (Vugt et al., 2014). The HHS (2018) estimates 22 million Americans struggled with a drug or alcohol problem and that nearly 95% of people with substance use problems are unaware that they have a problem.
The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) demonstration program was adapted successfully to the needs of early identification efforts for hazardous use of alcohol and illicit drugs (Babor, Del Boca & Bray, 2017). Research shows that the use of SBIRT, significantly reduces the rate of substance abuse. SBIRT implementation was associated with improvements in treatment system equity, efficiency and economy (Babor, Del Boca & Bray, 2017). Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. The effects of substance abuse are cumulative, significantly contributing to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems.
Commonly associated problems seen with substance abuse are: teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, STDs, domestic abuse, child abuse, physical altercations, crime, homicide, and suicide (HHS, 2018). There is an apparent problem and there is no denying that health care workers are in the front-lines of the war of substance abuse.
Paper For Above instruction
As a future Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), addressing substance abuse aligns closely with the broader public health goals outlined in Healthy People 2020. Substance abuse remains a significant challenge in the United States, affecting individuals across all demographics and contributing to a host of social, mental, and physical health problems. The role of the FNP is pivotal in early identification, intervention, and ongoing management of patients struggling with substance-related issues, thereby promoting healthier communities and fulfilling national health objectives.
Research indicates that substance abuse often begins during adolescence, a critical developmental period where peer influence, curiosity, and the desire for independence can lead to experimentation with drugs and alcohol (Sharma, 2015). Early initiation of substance use increases the likelihood of dependence later in life, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and preventive strategies in adolescent populations. FNPs, working in primary care settings, are uniquely positioned to identify risky behaviors early through routine screenings and patient education, thereby preventing escalation to more severe substance use disorders.
The intersection of mental health and substance abuse is particularly compelling, as individuals with mental illnesses are approximately 50% more likely to engage in substance use (Vugt et al., 2014). This comorbidity complicates treatment, increases the risk of hospitalization, and exacerbates social and economic burdens. FNPs must adopt an integrated approach, considering both mental health and substance use when designing patient care plans. Collaborative care models and motivational interviewing techniques have proven effective in encouraging patients to seek treatment and adhere to recovery programs, which can be crucial in managing these complex cases.
One evidence-based strategy that has shown promise in curbing substance abuse is the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program. As demonstrated through research, SBIRT effectively identifies individuals at risk, delivers immediate brief interventions to reduce risky behaviors, and facilitates referrals for specialized treatment (Babor, Del Boca & Bray, 2017). Its implementation enhances healthcare delivery by promoting early intervention, which is less costly and more effective than reactive treatment after addiction becomes severe. FNPs trained in SBIRT can serve as frontline defenders, implementing screening protocols during routine visits and connecting patients with appropriate resources.
The societal implications of substance abuse are profound, contributing to issues such as teen pregnancy,
HIV/AIDS, STDs, domestic violence, child abuse, increased crime rates, and even homicide and suicide (HHS, 2018). These interconnected challenges highlight the critical role of the FNP in community education, advocating for policy changes, and fostering collaborations with public health agencies. Addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare, can significantly reduce pathways to substance abuse, making prevention efforts more sustainable and impactful.
In conclusion, as a Family Nurse Practitioner, taking an active role in combating substance abuse involves early detection, integrating mental health and substance use treatment, utilizing evidence-based interventions like SBIRT, and advocating for policies that support prevention and recovery. The responsibility extends beyond individual patient encounters to broader community health improvement, aligning with national objectives like those outlined in Healthy People 2020. Through these efforts, FNPs can contribute significantly to reducing the prevalence and negative consequences of substance abuse, ultimately enhancing public health and safety.
References
Babor, T. F., Del Boca, F., & Bray, J. W. (2017). Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment: implications of SAMHSA's SBIRT initiative for substance abuse policy and practice.
Addiction,
doi:10.1111/add.13675
Sharma, M. (2015). Substance Abuse in Adolescents: Implications for Research and Practice.
Journal Of Alcohol & Drug Education, 59(1), 3-6.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (2018). Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Healthy People 2020 Focus area 26, substance abuse. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/substance-abuse
Vugt, M., Kroon, H., Delespaul, P., & Mulder, C. (2014). Assertive Community Treatment and Associations with Substance Abuse Problems.
Community Mental Health Journal,
50(4), 456-463. doi:10.1007/s10597-014-9720-4
Buchanan, A., & Kelly, J. F. (2018). Evidence-Based Approaches for Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(10), 88.
McLellan, A. T., et al. (2019). The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders.
New England Journal of Medicine, 380(18), 1780-1789.
Weiss, R. D. (2015). The Impact of Comorbid Mental Disorders on Substance Use Treatment Outcomes.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 48(4), 273-279.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020).
SBIRT: An evidence-based approach . https://www.samhsa.gov
Higgins-Biddle, J., et al. (2016). Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies for Substance Use Disorders. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(4), 574-582.
Jarvis, B., & Curie, L. (2019). Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in Primary Care: Strategies for Action.
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 46(2), 270-284.
