ADDICTION MODELS ASSIGNMENT
Addiction Models
Introduction
Identifying various addiction models has been helpful in conceptualizing the disease of
addiction. Presently, there are eight models of addiction that have been identified. Despite this
number of models, the most widely used model of addiction present-day is the bio, psycho,
social model of addiction. This model of addiction is the more integrative approach to addressing
the disease, as it highlights multiple dimensions of the individual’s life, providing insight into the
areas of need, or lack, which may have contributed to the individual’s struggles with addiction.
This essay will focus on the essential features of the bio, psycho, social model, how the “disease
of the human spirit” fits, or does not fit, into the model, impacts of addiction on spirituality, and
how a biblical insight might affect the response to the aforementioned topics.
Essential Features of the Three Models of Addiction
The biopsychosocial approach to healthcare was introduced in 1977 by George Engel
(Card, 2023). Since its first introduction, this approach to healthcare, and addiction treatment,
has been paramount in promoting long-term, successful recovery. As stated, this model of
addiction has three integrative components: bio, psycho, and social. Wangensteen and Hystad
(2021), highlight that this approach to addiction treatment assumes that biological and
psychological factors, alongside social, economic, relational, and cultural factors, play a part in
the development of a substance use disorder, and likely also hold the key to the maintenance of
the disorder as well.
Bio
The “bio” aspect of the biospsychosocial model is comprised of the biological factors that have
played a part in the disease of addiction. These biological aspects include the;“anatomical,
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structural and molecular substrates of a disease,” (Deweiko, 2019). In terms of addiction, the
major biological component at play is the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for
the sensation of pleasure. There are natural methods to obtaining that rush of dopamine – having
a meal when you are hungry, reconnecting with a loved one, having sex, etc. There are also
unnatural methods to obtaining, and even increasing, the dopamine within the brain’s reward
center. Typically, this is achieved through use of substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine,
and opiates.
Psycho
The “psycho” part of the biopsychosocial model focuses on the impact of individual
personality traits, learning, motivation, interpersonal interactions, and psychodynamic forces on
substance use behaviors (Doweiko, 2019). Within the “psycho” dimension, there are several
theoretical models that attempt to pin the role that the psychological part of an individual plays in
their addiction. In addition to the several models, there are also several assessments that can be
administered to provide separate diagnoses from addiction, which may also provide insight as to
the “how” or “why” behind the addiction.
Social
The “social” domain of the model attempts to identify social forces that are impacting the
individual’s susceptibility to addiction. The social and biological aspects of this model can be
thought of as the “nature vs. nurture” approach to addiction.
“Disease of the Human Spirit”
When considering addiction from a “Disease of the Human Spirit” perspective, there is a
fit within the biopsychosocial model. Spirituality is another significant domain that makes up an
individual. Spirituality is, often, worked into the recovery process. One primary example of this
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is Celebrate Recovery (Clinton and Scalise, 2013). If there is a spiritual application to the
recovery process, there could be a spiritual application to the onset of the disease as well.
Addiction and Spiritual Bankruptcy
Frequently, in the disease of addiction, there is an absence of connectedness with
spirituality. Either this disconnect was previously established prior to the onset of the disease
(possibly correlating with the development of the disease), or the disconnect came because of the
shame and negative emotions associated with the disease, leading one to stray away from
spirituality due to feelings of unworthiness. Research suggests that there is a positive correlation
between increased spirituality and positive outcomes for addiction recovery, including
abstinence from substance use (Snodgrass et al., 2023). Additional information supports that
interconnectedness with spirituality reduces engagement in substance use altogether.
Biblical Worldview
Being positively associated with religion and spirituality, there may be a bias to answer
questions regarding spiritual connectedness and addiction in a more religion-forward way.
Having a positive spiritual connection and biblical/Chrisitan worldview can positively correlate
with a successful long-term recovery and provide an understanding and accepting environment
for recovering addicts, through accepting accountability for wrongdoings, rebuilding
relationships, and rebuilding self-worth with faith in Him.
Conclusion
There are several approaches that one can take to learn and understand the disease of
addiction. The bio, psycho, social model is an approach that is all encompassing and relies on the
multifaceted aspects on individual’s lives, to connect the dots between areas of need and the
onset of addiction. While there is not a spiritual approach integrated into this model, there is a lot
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References
Card, A. J. (2022). The biopsychosociotechnical model: a systems-based framework for human-
centered health improvement.;Health Systems,;12(4), 387–407.
https://doi.org/10.1080/20476965.2022.2029584.
Clinton, D. T., & Scalise, D. E. (2013). The Quick-Reference Guide to Addictions and Recovery
Counseling. Baker Publishing Group.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781441244604.
Doweiko, H. E. (2019).;Concepts of Chemical Dependency. Cengage.
Snodgrass, S., Corcoran, L. & Jerry, P. Spirituality in Addiction Recovery: A Narrative
Review.;J Relig Health;63, 515–530 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01854-
z.
Wangensteen, T., & Hystad, J. (2022). A Comprehensive Approach to Understanding Substance
Use Disorder and Recovery: Former Patients' Experiences and Reflections on the
Recovery Process Four Years After Discharge from SUD Treatment.;Journal of
psychosocial rehabilitation and mental health,;9(1), 45–54.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-021-00233-9.
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