Overcoming an addiction is a challenging yet rewarding process, yet it’s one that is difficult to understand. After all, everyone is different, and they all have their own reasons for turning to drugs and alcohol. Some people start out using substances socially and find that they are physically addicted and can’t stop, while others turn to addictive substances to cope with other issues in their lives. It’s usually a combination of these things that is different for everyone, which is why it’s so important that anyone seeking treatment be enrolled in an individualized program tailored to their needs.
While there clearly isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating addiction, various addiction models have been proposed to explain the nature of addiction and provide a framework for treatment. Let’s go over some of these addiction models and explain how they might influence a treatment program.
Table of Contents
The Moral Model
The Moral Model states that addiction is due to a moral failing or weakness of character. Basically, an individual turns to drugs and alcohol and continues to use them to the point of dependency because they lack self-discipline and willpower. It’s one of the oldest perspectives on addiction, and while it does acknowledge one’s free will and personal responsibility, it can be argued that it’s done more harm than good. Under the Moral Model, people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol are often stigmatized and marginalized by society. It’s contributed greatly to the “war on drugs” policies that criminalize drug use and focus more on punishing addicted people rather than treating them.
While the role of personal choice should be acknowledged in any addiction treatment program, the moral model of addiction often ignores more complex factors such as genetics, mental health, and environment that can contribute to substance abuse. Still, focusing on free will and personal responsibility in a treatment program isn’t a bad thing. After all, if someone can choose to use drugs or alcohol, they can choose to seek treatment and be free of their addiction.
The Disease Model
The Disease Model treats addiction and dependency as a chronic illness that limits one’s ability to control substance use or engage in addictive behaviors. It acknowledges factors such as genetics and brain chemistry that can contribute to addiction and physical dependency. It also places a great emphasis on treatments such as medical detox to overcome physical dependency and manage withdrawal symptoms.
The Disease Model has been widely adopted by medical professionals and treatment centers around the world, but it does have a limitation in that it doesn’t always acknowledge the role of personal choice in addiction. It implies that an addiction is always present, and that an addicted person can’t control their intake of a substance. They will always crave their drug of choice, and the only power they have over it is to abstain from it completely. On the other hand, this does take away at least some of the stigma that comes with addiction. Having an addiction isn’t a moral failing under the Disease Model; the addiction is an illness much like diabetes or heart disease and should be treated as such.
The Psychological Model
The psychological Model focuses on mental health and the role that it plays in addiction. Under this model, an addicted person turns to drugs and alcohol to cope with underlying issues such as mental illness or psychological trauma. The physical dependency may still need to be treated through medically assisted detox, but the underlying factors that drove the individual to start abusing substances in the first place need to be addressed. Psychological therapy is usually a major part of individualized substance abuse programs, and it is something that can last for years.
Under the Psychological Model, addiction is a symptom of a larger problem. The addiction itself needs to be addressed, but there is something far greater at play that requires therapy that often continues long after the individual has become sober.
The Social Model
The Social Model emphasizes the role that social learning and one’s environment play in addiction. The addicted person still makes a conscious decision to start using a substance, but that decision is influenced by factors such as peer pressure, treatment by family members, and the availability of a substance. In other words, someone is more likely to start using drugs and alcohol if they have friends and family members who also use it and have it readily available. Society as a whole can also be a factor in one’s addiction. For example, alcohol can be incredibly addictive to some people, and that addiction can and has ruined lives. And yet, alcohol consumption is by and large socially acceptable. If someone is an alcoholic, they might have a hard time staying sober if they go to a social function at a bar or restaurant where alcoholic drinks are purchased and consumed legally.
Under the Social Model of addiction, someone in treatment would learn to identify and avoid the social and environmental factors that influence their substance abuse. They might have to rethink their entire social circle and build a more supportive social network of people who will encourage them to stay sober and avoid their triggers.
The Spiritual Model
According to the Spiritual Model, addiction is at its core a symptom of a deep spiritual disconnect and/or an existential crisis. An addicted person is trying to find personal meaning in their life, and they might try to fill a void that they feel deep inside with drugs, alcohol, or addictive behaviors. A treatment program based on the Spiritual Model would encourage one to develop a connection to a higher power and engage in spiritually fulfilling activities such as prayer and meditation to overcome their addiction. Many 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are based on this model, and studies have shown that individuals who engage in spiritual practices often have improved mental health, greater resilience to stress, and a greater feeling of well-being overall.
The only real issue with the Spiritual Model of addiction is that it does all but require a belief in a higher power. Not everyone shares this belief, and some may have trauma around religion and spirituality that could turn them off of this addiction model.
The Harm Reduction Model
The Harm Reduction Model of addiction acknowledges that complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol may not be possible for everyone. For example, some people may not be able to abruptly quit using a substance “cold turkey” without experiencing severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Others might find themselves in an environment where they can’t avoid triggers to their substance use. In these cases, treatment might involve encouraging someone to be as safe as possible even if they can’t stop using substances right away. The treatment program will still acknowledge the worst consequences of addiction and drug use, but it won’t encourage individuals to stop using altogether. Examples of harm reduction include needle exchange programs, medication-assisted treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms, and education about safer drug use practices.
The Harm Reduction Model doesn’t stigmatize addiction, nor does it shame someone for being unable to stop using their drugs of choice. Instead, it ensures that people remain as safe as possible until they are in a place where they can overcome their addictions and live happy and healthy lives.
Conclusion
Addiction is a complicated subject, and there simply isn’t a treatment solution that works for everyone. These disease models of addiction have been developed over several years, and most substance use disorder treatment programs rely on at least a few of these theories of addiction, such as the disease model, cognitive-behavioral theory, and motivational interviewing. Additionally, addiction research has identified various causes of addiction, including biological, psychological, and social factors. The study of substance use disorders has also led to a better understanding of the complexities of addiction, including drug abuse, alcohol use, and drugs addiction. In the end, a successful addiction recovery program will be tailored to the individual’s needs, even if it incorporates one or more of the common addiction recovery models.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, known as a substance use disorder (SUD), know that there is always help available. Contact Long Island Interventions to learn more about our addiction treatment programs, which can provide effective recovery from addiction.
Published on: 2024-10-31
Updated on: 2024-10-31
