5. Explain the models of addiction. (8 points)
Addictive behaviors, especially substance abuse, are rampant mental health disorders. The most common additions involve alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs, also known as addictive substances. However, addiction can be indentified in gambling, binge eating, and risky sexual behaviors as well. There are significant health and societal costs related to engagement in addictive behaviors. Therefore, it is important to understand addiction issues, including what causes them and how to treat them. Although conceptualizing addiction problems has been controversial, several models of addiction have gained traction over the years. The four main models that have persisted are the moral model, the medical/disease …show more content…
This model focuses on physiological factors that contribute to the development of addiction including family history and pathological metabolism. This approach, unlike the moral model, allows for treatment. Due to the process of addiction having a deteriorating course that can ultimately result in death, it is important to treat it from a medical perspective. The suggested treatment for this model is simply abstinence from the addictive substance. However, in some addictive disorders, such as binge eating, this is unrealistic. Another key feature of this model is that drug relapses are viewed as beyond the control of the individual and are attributed to being triggered by physiological factors. This is due to the biological perspective asserting that the interaction of genetics and drugs results in reinforcement of drug taking and influences repeated use. Overall, the medical model is favored over the moral model because it does not ostracize addicted individuals. Instead, it encourages them to not face their problem alone by seeking help. Also, being able to study addiction from a biological standpoint has resulted in an increased understanding of etiological factors and treatment …show more content…
However, one of the newest and most well known theories is Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. The goal of this theory is to understand suicide at an interpersonal level. More specifically, it evaluates why individuals engage in suicidal behavior and identifies individuals who are at risk for engaging in such behaviors. There are three main components of Joiner’s theory including thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired
Addictive behaviors, especially substance abuse, are rampant mental health disorders. The most common additions involve alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs, also known as addictive substances. However, addiction can be indentified in gambling, binge eating, and risky sexual behaviors as well. There are significant health and societal costs related to engagement in addictive behaviors. Therefore, it is important to understand addiction issues, including what causes them and how to treat them. Although conceptualizing addiction problems has been controversial, several models of addiction have gained traction over the years. The four main models that have persisted are the moral model, the medical/disease …show more content…
This model focuses on physiological factors that contribute to the development of addiction including family history and pathological metabolism. This approach, unlike the moral model, allows for treatment. Due to the process of addiction having a deteriorating course that can ultimately result in death, it is important to treat it from a medical perspective. The suggested treatment for this model is simply abstinence from the addictive substance. However, in some addictive disorders, such as binge eating, this is unrealistic. Another key feature of this model is that drug relapses are viewed as beyond the control of the individual and are attributed to being triggered by physiological factors. This is due to the biological perspective asserting that the interaction of genetics and drugs results in reinforcement of drug taking and influences repeated use. Overall, the medical model is favored over the moral model because it does not ostracize addicted individuals. Instead, it encourages them to not face their problem alone by seeking help. Also, being able to study addiction from a biological standpoint has resulted in an increased understanding of etiological factors and treatment …show more content…
However, one of the newest and most well known theories is Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. The goal of this theory is to understand suicide at an interpersonal level. More specifically, it evaluates why individuals engage in suicidal behavior and identifies individuals who are at risk for engaging in such behaviors. There are three main components of Joiner’s theory including thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired