Theories or Models of Addiction

In-depth information
Theories of Addiction- SAMHSA
Theories of Addiction - Powerpoint
Theories of Addiction- University of Plymouth .... Why people take drugs?
Theories of Addiction- very detailed 145 pages

Quick Overview...

Medical Model of Disease- similar to other chronic diseases (i.e. diabetes, asthma, hypertension). 
See Addiction link for details.
The Science of Addiction by Michael D. Lemonick, with Alice Park
Dr. Alan Leshner’s Article  “Addiction is a Brain Disease”
Genetic Model: Addiction is an inherited disease.

Moral Model: A person has spiritual or character deficiencies which lead to their decision or choice to use drugs. A person chooses to abuse substances. This belief contributes to the negative stigma that surrounds the person suffering from addition and their family. 

Addictive Personality: A person’s personality or character is the root of addiction be it substance abuse, gambling, food, sexual...

Addictive Behavior (Risky- Taker) causes addiction. From the Social Learning Theory. Addiction is a “bad habit” and can be unlearned. 

Psychodynamic Model: Self-medicating- People use to avoid unpleasant emotions, to unwind or reduce stress, for attention .... Drug use is a symptom of underlying psychological problems.

Sociocultural (Environment)  A person’s culture, family, peers, religion... are all EXTERNAL factors that cause a person to have an addiction.

BioPsychoSocial- Today’s theory believes that a person becomes addicted not for one reason or due to one model but a combination of all of the above with emphasis on the disease model.

   There is no cure for addiction. A person can live in a healthy life while continually monitoring thoughts and behaviors that prevent relapsing. 
   A person does not choose to have this disease but does make choices that could lead him/her to using drugs or avoiding drug use. For example a person can choose to hang out with friends who use drugs or make new drug-free friends and join support group. The disease model doesn’t remove responsibility “I have a disease” but allows a person to understand why their life got out of control when using drugs.