Advanced practice nurse’s role in alcohol abuse group therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of conducting groups for alcohol abuse and to present implications for the advanced practice nurse (APN) in leading these groups. The APN is situated to assist in this process not only in a competent and efficacious manner, but in a cost effective fashion. Many studies validate the need and benefit for using group therapy as an intervention for alcohol abuse. The APN can perform this task with positive outcomes, using the American Nurses Association Psychiatric Mental Health Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA 2000) as guidelines for assessing and diagnosing patients, identifying patient outcomes, planning patient care, implementing that plan, and evaluation. Many other sources, such as the USA Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2010 (2000), the USA President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (New Freedom Commission on Mental Health 2003), and the USA Report of the Surgeon General on Mental Health (1999), can be referenced to ensure that the patient is provided with the best prevention, as well as treatment.