Alcohol dependence and depression: advance practice nurse interventions

PURPOSE: To identify alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as common health problems in the United States. To emphasize advance practice nurse (APN) interventions including screening, treatment, and outcome evaluations for individuals and their families suffering with alcohol dependence and depression. DATA SOURCES: Scientific literature on alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as well as general systems theory. CONCLUSIONS: APNs have the opportunity to successfully intervene with individuals and their family with alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity. These complex health conditions need to be screened for, treated, and evaluated to ensure positive outcomes for the individual and their family system. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: APNs are in an excellent position to intervene at every contact with the individual and family with alcohol dependence and depression. Interventions aimed at the individual and family system are detailed in order to assist the individual and family to optimal health.