BENCHMARK THEORTICAL MODELS AND APPROACHES PAPER 1
BENCHMARK THEORETICAL MODELS AND APPROACHES
Allison D. Lovelace-Frye
Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University
Author Note
Allison D. Lovelace-Frye
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Allison D. Lovelace-Frye
Email: [email protected]
BENCHMARK THEORTICAL MODELS AND APPROACHES PAPER 2
Moral Model of Addiction
Proponents of the moral model of addiction argue that the person suffering from
addiction is doing so because he or she is irresponsible and impulsive and engages in careless
behavior due to weak character (Capuzzi, 2024). The person is suffering from poor choices. The
person's moral compass has been damage by the usage of drugs. The conscience of the person
instructs them to avoid drugs. Every human being knows that drug will cause harm to the body.
Moralism is built into the part of the brain that controls judgements. Moral models believe that
the person is using drugs for gratification.
The moral model of addiction views substance abuse and addictive behaviors as a willful
choice or moral failing (McKinnell, 2024). Addiction to substances becomes more than a choice.
The body becomes addicted to substances. The substance or drug will cause impairment to the
body. The moral model is only effective in individuals who deeply root in their faith. By moving
away from the moral model and embracing a more holistic and evidence-based perspective, we
can reduce stigma, promote earlier intervention, and improve treatment outcomes for those
struggling with substance use disorders (McKinnell, 2024). The moral model does not explain
the client science why he or she is addicted to drugs.
Every human is born with a sinful nature. Romans 3:23 says, “for all sinned, and come
short of the glory of God”. Everyone is struggling with something. Romans 8:1 says, “There is
therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”. Jesus does not condemn us
because of drug habit. He said bring all your issues to him for help and deliverance. Jesus does
not want us to hide our sins and weaknesses from him.
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Disease Models of Addiction
The disease model of addiction is the concept of irreversibility and the belief that
addictive disease is chronic and incurable (Capuzzi, 2024). Once the individual has this disease,
according to the model, it never goes away, and there is no treatment method that will enable the
individual to use again without the high probability that the individual will revert to problematic
use of the drug of choice (Capuzzi, 2024). The brain stores old habits of addictive behavior.
Most importantly, we argue that the brain is the biological substrate from which both addiction
and the capacity for behavior change arise, arguing for an intensified neuroscientific study of
recovery (Heilig et al., 2021).
The disease model of addiction is beneficial for the addict. The addict struggles to break
the addiction because of damage to certain areas of the brain. The argument is that any useful
conceptualization of addiction requires an understanding of both brains involved, and of
environmental factors that interact with those brains (Heilig et al., 2021). Changes in brain
function and structure in addiction exert a powerful probabilistic influence over a person’s
behavior, but one that is highly multifactorial, variable, and thus stochastic (Heilig et al., 2021).
The disease model can be used to determine the effects of substances on the brain.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusted in thee”. The client can train his mind to think on the goodness of God. Jesus
promises to give the client supernatural peace regardless of his addiction. Jesus offer rest for the
trouble mind. Individuals with addiction can mediate on the word of God. God promise to renew
their mind by reading the scriptures. A person can rehabilitate his mind by being mindful of the
promise of God.
BENCHMARK THEORTICAL MODELS AND APPROACHES PAPER 4
Biological Model of Addiction
The biological model of addiction is that addiction can be passed on from generation to
generation. This approach expanded how addiction can be passed onto the next generation.
Genetic research on addiction shows potential, but is a complex activity given the fact that each
individual carries genes located on 23 pairs of chromosomes (Capuzzi, 2024). It is possible that
addiction can affect the next generation. An individual's background, moral codes and social
status determine whether someone may become an addict, but also a person's genetics is one of
the most important factors in the development of addiction as modern medicine dictates
(Popescu et. al., 2021). Heritability is responsible for 40-60% of the population's variability in
developing an addiction (Popescu et. al., 2021).
There are also epigenetic enzymes that mediate DNA demethylation and have important
roles in learning, memory, neurodevelopment, but also in some psychiatric and neurologic
disorders (Popescu et al., 2021). Heritability is responsible for 40-60% of the population's
variability in developing an addiction (Popescu et. al., 2021). Biological models trace the client
to genes to determine that they may become a future addict. Coping styles of resilient individuals
and mentoring people at risk for substance use disorder, it is possible to transmit resilient
behaviors across generations with the help of epigenetics, to gain an important benefit for the
population and the health care system (Popescu et. al., 2021). The theoretical consideration is
that biological model can determine if the client to be subject to addictions.
Jerimiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee”. God is the creator of
humanity. He is all knowing. The bloodline and genes are determining factors for inherited
substance addiction behaviors. The biological model can be useful in tracking potential
addiction in families or individuals.
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Sociocultural Model of Addiction
A person’s likelihood of using drugs, the way he/she behaves, and the way drug use and
addiction are defined, are all influenced by the sociocultural system surrounding the individual
(Capuzzi, 2024). The communities or cultures are infiltrated by drugs will have influence on
those who live in those area. Many low-income families live in community where drug are easily
accessible. The cultural codes of a society and the negative effects of society and culture on
individual behavior can cause addiction according to the socio-cultural model (Dogutas, 2023).
Even though many cultural codes are inward; their effects are more powerful (Dogutas, 2023).
Addiction clients are influenced by what they see on television and on social media
pages. Drinking alcohol on the beach is glorified by our culture. The reality is drinking alcohol
leads to DUI’s, sickness and disease. People watching these programs not only tolerate
drunkenness but also think it unkennels characters in a funny way, audiences find it entertaining
(Dogutas, 2023). The sociocultural model is an effective model for targeting addictions. The
social interactions with people who matter to us, and we grew up, have the maximum influence
on us (Dogutas, 2023). In addition to psychological and biological factors, sociological
influences are also effective in addiction (Dogutas, 2023). Focusing on the importance of
influences, “researchers have identified unique risk and protective factors during young
adulthood that predict the likelihood of problem substance use” (Dougutas, 2023).
I Corinthians 15:33 says, “Evil communication corrupts good manners”. Being
surrounded by evil is not a precursor to a life of addiction. If someone starts participating in
addictive behavior, the behavior will turn into being controlled by harmful substances. If you
show me your friend, then I will show you your future. Sociocultural can greatly influence
individuals to become addicted to substance abuse.
BENCHMARK THEORTICAL MODELS AND APPROACHES PAPER 6
References
Authorized King James Version 1611
Capuzzi, D. (2024). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (5th ed.). Pearson Education (US).
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780138233556
Dogutas, A. (2023). Sociological Influences on Addiction: Culture and Ethnicity. Open Journal
of Social Sciences, 11(09), 617–629. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.119038
Heilig, M., MacKillop, J., Martinez, D., Rehm, J., Leggio, L., & Vanderschuren, L. J. M. J.
(2021). Addiction as a brain disease revised: why it still matters, and the need for
consilience. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American
College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 46(10), 1715–1723.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020- 0 0950-y
McKinnell, N. (2024, September 4). Understanding the Moral Model of Addiction and its Role in
Treatment. Evoke Wellness Corporate. https://evokewellness.com/blog/moral-model-
addiction-treatment/
Popescu, A., Marian, M., Drăgoi, A.M., & Costea, R. (2021). Understanding the genetics and
neurobiological pathways behind addiction (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic
Medicine, 21, 544. https://doi.org/10.38
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