ETIOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF ALCOHOLISM

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based upon course material developed and deployed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The course material was specifically developed for the training of clinicians who work with clients who may use or abuse alcohol. The course material can be found on the NIAAAs website at the following link http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Social/Module2Etiology&NaturalHistory/Module2.html This publication reviews the key concepts and variables associated with the development of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. It goes on to examine in detail the natural history of alcoholism across the life span. The course material is designed to assist clinicians in becoming familiar with selected developmental models that highlight a variety of mechanisms believed to influence a persons risk for developing an alcohol use disorder. The publication goes on to identify the relationships and significant roles played by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors in determining an individuals susceptibility to developing an alcohol use disorder. The article concludes with helpful suggestions for applying information concerning the natural history of alcoholism and alcohol abuse in treatment planning, relapse prevention, and primary prevention efforts. This course on the etiology and natural history of alcohol problems is useful for psychologists, social workers and professional counselors who practice and need continuing education. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of alcohol abuse and use in the United States. Authors: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding the etiology and natural history of alcoholism use in the United States. Specifically, a professional will: Identify key concepts and variables associated with the development of alcoholism and alcohol abuse, and to examine the natural history of alcoholism across the life span. Recognize the significant roles played by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors in determining an individuals susceptibility to developing an alcohol use disorder. Recognize how to use key information concerning alcoholism and alcohol abuse in treatment planning, relapse prevention, and primary prevention efforts. Citation: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Module 2 Etiology and Natural History of Alcoholism. Retrieved from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Social/Module1Epidemiology/Module1.html on 12/10/12.