ADDICTION MODELS 1
Addiction Models
Wendy L. Birotte
Liberty University
ADDICTION MODELS 2
Addiction Models
Coined in the 1970’s the term Biopsychosocial model of addiction was created as sort of
an all-inclusive solution to psychology’s dilemma in determining what exactly addiction was and
how it should be approached, evaluated and treated. Biopsychosocial refers to the biological,
psychological and social factors that lead to, maintain and exacerbate addiction. This model
creates a rationale by considering all of these factors, the complex interactions, and intricate
design of the person and their addiction.
Biological
Also considered the disease model of addiction the biological component of the
Biopsychosocial model characterizes addictions biological factors. These components include
genetic and hereditary factors proposing the connection and contribution of inherited traits that
create an addictive personality. This part of the model also examines the correlation of the age of
initiation and addiction’s effects on the body.
This week’s presentation suggested the disease model of addiction is the most widely
accepted reason for addiction. The disease model takes away some of the guilt and shame that
come along with addiction and defines addiction as an irreversible disease that needs medical
treatment. A problem with this part of the model is that an addict may not take any responsibility
for their addiction and this may limit treatment. Redemption of body
Psychological
This part of the model refers to the personality of an addict underlying undesirable traits
that brings about or exacerbates the addictions. “The individual’s personality, which is both
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shaped by individual-environment interactions and helps shape future interactions with the
environment, rests on a foundation of biochemical interactions within the brain. There are
various theories within the psychological perspective of the SUDs, many of which are
intertwined with the other two components of this model.” (Doweiko 2015, pg. 373)
Psychological disturbances may include a mental illness, difficulty regulating emotions, learning
disabilities, and low self-esteem. Trauma, victimization including sexual assault, rape and
molestation as a child may all be components as well.
Social
The social model of addiction looks at the social factors that put us at risk for addiction.
These social elements include all of the people around us, teachers, partners, parents, children or
friends and incorporate any conflicts within these relationships. Hazardous environments that
include depravity and criminality such as gang activity and early exposure to drugs and alcohol
during vulnerable stages in life.
Spirituality
I feel that all three parts of the Biopsychosocial model of addiction have a connection to
the “Disease of the Human Spirit” concept because every part of our being was created by God
therefore every part should be accountable for its addiction. I also believe that this is why AA
and NA continue to work as well as they do because must feed our soul spiritually in order to
mend this disease of the soul. The sometimes-complete disconnection from God or spiritual
bankruptcy that addiction causes seems to heighten and worsen the problem of addiction. When
an addict loses touch with God, he dives deeper and deeper into addiction, it is only when he
reaches out to that higher power that he may begin to heal. Addiction creates a void within the
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addict and in order to fill this void the addict must continually search for a high, but he will never
be satisfied because he is missing God. The Bible says in Isaiah 61:1 that “The Spirit of the Lord
GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has
sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the
prison to those who are bound" (NIV) and when the bible speaks of the poor it does not only
mean financially poor but it speaks of those poor in spirit.
References
Doweiko, H. E. (2015). Concepts of chemical dependency (9th ed.). Stanford, CT: Centage.
