...Conceptualizing Addiction Conceptualizing Addiction McNeece and DiNitto (2010) agree that defining addiction is not an easy task. Jaffe (1980) defines addiction as "a behavioral pattern of drug use, characterized by overwhelming involvement with the use of a drug (compulsive use), the securing of its supply and a high tendency to relapse after withdrawal. In addition, it is characterized by craving, withdrawal and tolerance." Schuckit (1992, p. 182) believes addiction involves the “continued, self-administered use of a substance despite substance-related problems, and it results in tolerance for the substance, withdrawal from the substance, and compulsive drug-taking behavior due to cravings.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V), combined the DSM-IV categories of Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence into a single category of Substance Use Disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). The DSM-V covers 11 criteria for Substance Use Disorder: 1) taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than the you meant to; 2) wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to; 3) spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance; 4) cravings and urges to use the substance; 5) not managing to do what you should at work, home or school, because of substance use; 6) continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships; 7) giving up important social, occupational or recreational...
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...Behavioral Theory of Addiction Contrasted With Moral and Disease Theories Theory and Practice in Addiction Counseling The behavioral model of addiction emphasizes conditioning as the primary reason for substance abuse. The individual chooses whether or not to engage in substance-using behavior depending on what they get out of the experience, relative to other options they have. If the substances are more rewarding than other activities within the person’s environment, then the behavior will continue. If this situation reverses, then extinction of the behavior is expected due to lack of reinforcement. Although social and economic context are recognized as factors in substance use, they are not primary causes of the behavior, nor is the presence of a comorbid psychological or medical condition. Interventions are based on the idea that an addicted person wants or expects certain results from substance use, and also wants certain outcomes in other areas of life. These objectives, wants, or needs are referred to as rewards, or reinforcers, in behavioral conditioning. The individual sets the economy of reward by weighing the relative value-cost of engaging in substance using behaviors. Immediacy of consequences, whether positive or negative reinforcement, or actual punishment, is a factor in this internal economy. If punishment for the behavior becomes stronger than the perceived benefits of continuing it, then there is economy of reward to motivate change, or discontinuation...
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...The disease model of addiction describes an addiction as a lifelong disease that involves both biological and environmental sources of origin. The disease model originates from the traditional medical model of disease which states that an individual suffering from a disease has an illness or sickness that causes interruption, cessation, or disorder of bodily functions, systems or organs and must have identifiable signs and symptoms (Gorski, 2001). The contemporary medical model attributes addiction to changes in the brains mesolimbic system and also takes into consideration that the disease may be a result of other biological, psychological, or social entities (Disease model of addiction, 2011). Within the disease model of addiction, it is believed that a genetic predisposition to addiction exists, in addition to the occurrence of some environmental events that increase the likelihood that this predisposition will be sparked. Within the overall concept of the disease model of addiction, there are various specific disease models that concentrate on the specific areas of the disease concept. For example, the medical consequences model focuses on the many biomedical consequences of alcohol and drug use. This model simply focuses on the biological etiology and consequences of drug and alcohol consumption. The bio-psycho-social-spiritual consequences maintenance disease model is much richer than the biomedical consequences model because the concentration is on biological, psychological...
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...Addiction choice or disease This essay will look to outline the different arguments in that; addiction to a substance is a choice of one’s free will, or is it a disease element in our bio chemical or physical make up? It will consider, if addiction extends from genes inherited from parents or forefathers, or if it is a learned behaviour through day to day lifestyles, and changes through growth from tots to teens, to youths, then to adults. It will also seek to analyse how different approaches and points in this relevant argument can be debated in the academic and medical world, with the views and discussion of recognised professionals in the study of addiction. The definition of addiction ad-dic-tion (noun) is ‘the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physical habit forming to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma (Dictonary .com, 2012) One valid stance is that addiction is a chemical imbalance in Deoxyribonucleic Acid (D.N.A) (Wachuku, 2003, p. 199); any toxin or chemical artificially entered into the bloodstream may have a more serious effect on certain human beings than others. It could be argued that some are able to tolerate these toxins or chemicals without becoming addicted, whilst others quite easily fall into addiction, whether it is to alcohol, prescribed drugs, illegal solvents, stimulants, hallucinogenic or anti-depressants. Dr Robert West Professor of Health Psychology University College London...
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...Effective Components in Determining Substance Use Behavior Crystal Ramsey Liberty University Effective Components in Determining Substance Use Behavior Addiction is regarded as having a multitude of causations and contributing factors. No single specific component or model can accurately predict a person’s substance use behavior (Clinton & Scalise, 2013). Substance use disorders are a reflection of the impact of person-specific biological, psychological, and social influences. Understanding an individual’s spiritual beliefs and the role spirituality plays in a person’s susceptibility to addiction is also necessary. If a spirituality component is absent in a person's life, addiction could fill that void (Doweiko, 2015). Substance abusers can use chemicals to cope with psychological anguish, social pressure, be biologically susceptible or to create an illusion of purpose. Biology The biological model consists of the physical, fundamental, and atomic mechanisms. These elements affect the natural functioning of the individual. Substance use disorders are believed to be the result of a physiological abnormality (Doweiko, 2015). Normal biological processes are altered within the body such as the reward system. Typically the reward system is designed to help people. However, numerous substances inundate the natural neurotransmitter system giving false signals to the brain’s reward system (Doweiko, 2015). Unfortunately, a natural process that evolved to assist in human existence...
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...The Disease Model According to the disease model of addiction, addiction is a brain disease. Marked changes in brain structure and function that, over time, lead to involuntary use or compulsive behavior are the key characteristics of the disease (Leshner, 2001). The behavioral expressions of addiction are uncontrollable, and in that aspect, similar to that of other brain diseases. For example, just as schizophrenics cannot voluntarily control their hallucinations and delusions or Parkinson’s patients cannot control their trembling, an addict cannot control the urge to use (Leshner, 2001). Once an individual has the disease, it is irreversible. It is an incurable, chronic illness. Proponents of this model purport treating the addict just as one would treat an individual with any other brain disease or chronic illness (McLellan, Lewis, O’Brien & Klecher, 2000). As with other diseases, a holistic treatment approach, combining medication therapy, behavioral therapy and any needed social services and rehabilitation is considered the best treatment approach (Leshner, 2001). Research would seem to support the position that chronic substance use produces long-lasting changes in the brain (Volkow, Chang, Gene-Jack, Fowler et al., 2001) that are responsible for the impaired cognitive functioning, including the compulsive urge to use, that is characteristic of addictive behavior (Leshner, 2001). The comparative analysis conducted by McLellan and others (2000) also suggests similar kinds...
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...MODELS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR To read up on models of addictive behaviour, refer to pages 609–618 of Eysenck’s A2 Level Psychology. Ask yourself * Is there a biological basis to addictive behaviour? * Can somebody learn to be an addict? * How might explanations of addiction differ for different addictions? What you need to know MODELS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR | EXPLANATIONS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR | * Biological, behavioural (learning), and cognitive models of addictive behaviour | * Biological, behavioural (learning), and cognitive explanations for initiation, maintenance, and relapse * Specific explanations of particular addictions including smoking and gambling | MODELS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOUR The models of addictive behaviour attempt to explain the causes and thereby offer insights into how an addiction develops. The assumptions as to the causes of addiction also affect the approach taken to treatment. Biological model of addictive behaviour According to this model, the main causes of addictive behaviour are biological factors within the individual, for example, a neurochemical imbalance or a genetic predisposition towards addictive behaviour. Thus, the vulnerability to develop an addiction may be inherited and family studies are used to support this explanation. Thus approach assumes that addiction has physical causes and can therefore only be cured through medicine. Behavioural (learning) model of addictive behaviour This model is...
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...Abstract Addictions covers a range of maladaptive traits to include substance use, alcohol or behavior leading to significant impairments. There are various causes of addiction, but some theoretical frameworks indicates that addictions may have a genetic component that leads to a predisposition to develop addiction, a disease model of addiction or as the result of self-medicating of a primary disorder. This paper will take a theoretical view of the causes of addiction as well as developing a working definition of addiction. Causes of Addiction There are numerous theories regarding addiction and the causes of addiction; however, for the purpose of this paper we will discuss three areas or models of addiction as it relates to substance and alcohol related abuse. Before delving into the causes of addiction we will develop an understanding of what addiction is and what it is not by viewing a few theories and definitions of addiction. We will also develop an understanding of what constitute a diagnosis of addiction and causes one to develop an addiction in the context of genetic predisposition, disease and the prevalence of addiction among individuals with co-occurring disorders stemming from traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse. Addiction Defining addiction is not a simplistic task as there are many theories and definitions of addiction and how addiction develops. In Drugs and addiction: an Introduction to Epigenetics, Wong...
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...Weston Lampe Theory of Addiction Monday October 1, 2012 Disease Model The oldest and possibly most talked about theory of addiction in the disease model. The disease model basically states that substance addiction is similar to any other disease in that it is genetic, progressive, and often times fatal. The symptoms of substance abuse such as alcoholism are similar for everyone who suffers, and they are easily recognizable. One problem with the disease model is that it is not backed by any strong scientific research. You cannot give someone an X-ray or a CT scan to see if they suffer from drug addiction. Another problem is that if it was a disease then one would assume that some sort of medicinal or therapeutic device would have been developed that can help cure the disease. No such device has been created or is even close to being introduced. The disease model has had serious implications when it comes to treating substance abuse. Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly referred to as AA) was created by psychiatrists specifically to treat substance abuse as a disease. AA is a long process in which participants use self-help methods in order to battle the disease for their entire life. It was founded in the United States in 1935 and has since exploded worldwide and is as prevalent as ever. I believe that substance abuse as a disease makes sense because it seems to be so natural. Alcoholism is commonly passed down through generations and is very common, similar to many...
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...Behavioral and Social/Cognitive Approaches to Forming Habits Paper Jeston Walker PSY/250 December 8, 2014 Ronald Goodnight Introduction In this paper I will analyze one of your habits, how did I develop this habit, were there role models for this habit, and which people influenced the adoption of this habit. I will explain why do I continue the habit and has there been a time when I have attempted to break this habit. I will use the behavioral personality theory to explain why I have this habit. I will describe components of social/cognitive theory that explain why the habit formed. I will develop a plan that applies operant conditioning to change this habit. Between the behavioral and social/cognitive theories, I will also describe which one do I find best explains my personality. Analyze one of your habits. How did you develop this habit? Were there role models for this habit? Which people influenced the adoption of this habit? My smoking habit began before I even turned 18. I tried my first cigarette around the age of 16, and I was addicted by the time I turned 18. It was several reasons why I developed the habit of smoking. A lot of my family members that was closed too were smokers. Their friends encourage them to try cigarettes, and to keep smoking. They saw smoking as a way of rebelling and showing independence. They think that everyone else is smoking, and that they should, too. Also I used to see tobacco advertising all the time, which targeted a lot of teenagers around...
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...behind smoking, and maybe come up with effective solutions to reduce this behaviour and promote healthier lifestyles. Biological Perspective Charles Darwin (1859) first demonstrated the idea that genetics and evolution played a major role in affecting human behaviour through natural selection. Biological Psychologists also agree with this theory that all human behaviour has been evolved over millions of years to adapt behaviour to the environment that we live in. Biological Psychologists also believe that because the mind resides in the brain, that factors such as chromosomes and hormones have a significant influence on our behaviour for example, gender personality development. Using the biological approach there is scientific evidence to say that smoking behaviour is linked to effect that nicotine has on the brain. There are over 300 chemicals in cigarettes but nicotine is the one that is linked with addiction. Nicotine causes a physical addiction and can increase levels of dopamine (the hormone found in the reward part of the brain). For example a study done by (Jain & Mukhergee, 2003 the biological basis of nicotine addiction) says that when a tobacco is smoked nicotine enters the bloodstream through the lungs and reaches the brain faster than drugs that enter the body through the veins. This sudden burst of nicotine causes instant high blood pressure which then causes the adrenal glands to be stimulated causing the...
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...Behavioural (learning) models of addiction Classical and operant conditioning in addiction Do we develop addictions simply by being rewarded for doing them? Classical conditioning and the initiation of addictive behaviour Stimuli that occur just before, or at the same time, as a learned stimulus (e.g. a drug) may become secondary reinforcers by association. An example of this is learning that the sights and sounds of a pub are associated with alcohol – the sights and sounds then produce the same physiological effects as alcohol. Operant conditioning and the initiation of addictive behaviour If a behaviour is rewarded (positive reinforcement) it is likely to be repeated. Positive reinforcers cause dopamine release in the mesolimbic dopamine system. The system is designed for natural reinforcers such as food, drink, keeping warm, and sex, however addictive drugs can produce the same effect. Drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine and alcohol cause massive over-stimulation of dopamine receptors and are therefore positively rewarded. Gambling leads to a rush of adrenaline when experiencing a win or near-win, is socially rewarding through praise from peers, and financially rewarding after a win (Griffiths, 2009). Operant conditioning and the maintenance/relapse of addictive behaviour Repeated use of drugs leads to withdrawal symptoms when stopping. Withdrawal is physically unpleasant and can be reduced by taking the drug again (negative reinforcement). Commentary...
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...During my career as a practitioner in the substance abuse area of behavioral health, where Cognitive Behavior Therapy is the primary approach to treatment. It is imperative for the practitioner to comprehend and institute the concepts regarding to CBT approach to addictions treatment. When I was first provided and granted with the opportunity to facilitating groups, Existential Therapy applications was the primary approach that was being applied, where I truly wasn’t prepared to facilitate groups base on my lack of acknowledged with applying the applications of any theory. It was only after given the prospects of developing addictions’ program for inpatient adolescents unit, I strongly suggested to the director that it was imperative for...
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...Comparison of theory Krystal Williams Grand Canyon University February 25, 2015 It is important to get a full understanding on biopsychosocial model of addiction. Within the biopsychosocial model, there psychological theories and biological theories. In this paper there will be a summary that will describe a psychological theory of addiction and a biological theory of addiction. It will also discuss whether or not these theories will be used in the future practice and why. Neurobehavioral theory Neurobehavioral theory is a biological theory that overlaps with biological determinists and is the Neurobehavioral School of thoughts. What that means is, neurobehavioral theory has an attraction through the individual neurological pathways and the environment. The neurons of the body must work together to reinforce the neuro-chemical bonds and the neurons so they will function. As stated in the book, “Concepts of Chemical Dependency” “If the neurons fire in sequence in response to the same stimuli a neural network is formed. For instance, if you smoke a cigarette and each time the smoke is inhaled the neural connection between smoking and stress relief will be reinforced. When the neurons do not function right it is because the brain is not functioning though to the chemicals that is being intake, like the nicotine from the inhale of smoke. It will then cause the brain to over learn. When repeating the activation of the reward cascade, the over learning process is intended. When...
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...abuse is certainly a demon that has been battled for many years and the fight continues on. In order to treat and help rehabilitate, it is very helpful to understand what causes these addictions. In a perfect world, there would be one theory that would explain addiction. The text indicates that there have been many theoretical models that have sought to give an understanding of this problem, but there are three prevalent models that are identified by Inaba and Cohen (2004). These are: the Addictive disease model, the Behavioral/environmental model, and the Academic model (Martin, 2014). The addictive disease model proposes that addiction is a medical condition much like any other medical disorder. This model teaches that addiction has identifiable symptoms and a course that can be predicted. It also proposes that there are genetic factors that play a role. Like any other disease, addiction will continue to worsen without treatment (Martin, 2014). The behavioral/environmental model uses six stages to describe the possible progression of substance use. These stages are: 1. Abstinence 2. Experimentation 3. Social/recreational use 4. Habituation 5. Abuse 6. Addiction. This model seeks to show that factors in one’s environment can lead one from one stage to the next (Martin, 2014). The academic model discusses the changes that occur in the body over time as one uses drugs. The changes take place at the cellular level in the body and so as more substance is used, the body builds...
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