Book contents
- Seminars in Addiction Psychiatry
- College Seminars Series
- Seminars in Addiction Psychiatry
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Chapter 1 Historical and Conceptual Approaches to Addiction
- Chapter 2 Illicit Drug Use: Epidemiology, Aetiology and Prevention
- Chapter 3 Illicit Drug Use: Clinical Features and Treatment
- Chapter 4 Addiction to Prescription Medication: Benzodiazepines, Z-Drugs and Gabapentinoids
- Chapter 5 Alcohol Use Disorders: Epidemiology and Prevention
- Chapter 6 Alcohol Use Disorders: Aetiology and Pathophysiology
- Chapter 7 Alcohol Use Disorders: Clinical Features and Treatment
- Chapter 8 Psychological Approaches to Addiction
- Chapter 9 Comorbid Substance Use and Mental Illness
- Chapter 10 Medical Aspects of Drug and Alcohol Use
- Chapter 11 Organising Treatment Services for Drug and Alcohol Misusers
- Chapter 12 Tobacco Use Disorders
- Chapter 13 Novel Psychoactive Substances and Club Drugs
- Chapter 14 Addiction Problems in a Family and Social Context
- Chapter 15 Addiction Recovery Mutual-Aid Organisations
- Index
- References
Chapter 6 - Alcohol Use Disorders: Aetiology and Pathophysiology
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 November 2021
- Seminars in Addiction Psychiatry
- College Seminars Series
- Seminars in Addiction Psychiatry
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Chapter 1 Historical and Conceptual Approaches to Addiction
- Chapter 2 Illicit Drug Use: Epidemiology, Aetiology and Prevention
- Chapter 3 Illicit Drug Use: Clinical Features and Treatment
- Chapter 4 Addiction to Prescription Medication: Benzodiazepines, Z-Drugs and Gabapentinoids
- Chapter 5 Alcohol Use Disorders: Epidemiology and Prevention
- Chapter 6 Alcohol Use Disorders: Aetiology and Pathophysiology
- Chapter 7 Alcohol Use Disorders: Clinical Features and Treatment
- Chapter 8 Psychological Approaches to Addiction
- Chapter 9 Comorbid Substance Use and Mental Illness
- Chapter 10 Medical Aspects of Drug and Alcohol Use
- Chapter 11 Organising Treatment Services for Drug and Alcohol Misusers
- Chapter 12 Tobacco Use Disorders
- Chapter 13 Novel Psychoactive Substances and Club Drugs
- Chapter 14 Addiction Problems in a Family and Social Context
- Chapter 15 Addiction Recovery Mutual-Aid Organisations
- Index
- References
Summary
The aetiology and pathophysiology of alcohol dependence are complex, derived from genetics, parenting, peer and societal norms and rules, pharmacology and mental health comorbidity. This chapter explores some of the contributing factors that make alcohol dependence a more complex phenomenon than one merely of personal choice. It explores the various aspects of family history that contribute to the heritability of alcohol use disorders, and summarises relevant social and psychological factors. It then provides a nuanced understanding of the pharmacological rationale underpinning withdrawal and relapse prevention treatment, including an understanding of the role of GABA, glutamate and opioid systems. The chapter concludes by highlighting the ways in which patients with psychiatric disorders may be at greater risk of alcohol use disorders. In doing so, consideration is given to trauma-informed principles of care in light of the high prevalence of childhood trauma in this group.
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- Seminars in Addiction Psychiatry , pp. 111 - 127Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021
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