
Biological models of addiction emphasize the importance of genetics and the biological forces of nature. These theories suggest that brain chemistry, brain structure, and genetic abnormalities cause human behavior. Many of these models have not been tested or applied to every specific type of addiction.
What are the 5 models of addiction?
- Former reality TV star Jordan Finlayson, 30, opens up on drug-use and jail time
- Ms Finalyson formed a $5,000-a-week drug habit that put her behind bars
- She blew her drug dealing profits on heroin, Xanax, marijuana, and GBL
- In April 2020 she was caught dealing drugs and jailed for 2 years and 3 months
What are the models and theories of addiction?
Various theoretical models are associated with addiction, including the moral model, temperance model, disease model, social learning theory model, and others. The temperance model tries to evaluate the destructive and addictive nature of any abused substance and the extent to which the abuser is rendered powerless.
What are the theoretical models of addiction?
They are organized into sections on genetic theories (inherited mechanisms that cause or predispose people to be addicted), metabolic theories (biological, cellular adaptation to chronic exposure to drugs), conditioning theories (built on the idea of the cumulative reinforcement from drugs or other activities), and adaptation theories (those exploring the social and psychological functions performed by drug effects).
What are the different theories of addiction?
What are the different theories of addiction? There are several theories that model addiction: genetic theories, exposure theories (both biological and conditioning), and adaptation theories. To be successful, an addiction model must blend the multidimensional aspects of addiction.

What are biological factors of addiction?
Biological factors that can contribute to someone's risk for drug abuse and addiction include:Genetics. You may have heard that drug and alcohol addiction can run in families. ... Developmental stage. ... Sensitivity to drugs. ... Mental illness. ... Gender. ... Ethnicity.
Is addiction psychological or biological?
Addiction is a chronic disorder with biological, psychological, social and environmental factors influencing its development and maintenance. About half the risk for addiction is genetic.
What are the two models of addiction?
These two models were the moral model and the disease model. In response to the pervading idea of sinful addicts, the 'disease of addiction' came about which removed the burden of blame from the substance user.
What is the psychological model of addiction?
Psychological dependence is largely referred to as the cognitive and emotional aspects of addiction or withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. Rather than the body's physical change as a result of drug abuse, the psychological model of addiction is centered on emotions related to using these substances.
What is a biological cause?
Biological factors consist of anything physical that can cause adverse effects on a person's mental health. Biological factors include genetics, prenatal damage, infections, exposure to toxins, brain defects or injuries, and substance use [citation needed].
What are the 3 models of addiction?
There are several theories that model addiction: genetic theories, exposure theories (both biological and conditioning), and adaptation theories.
What are the major models of addiction?
Theories of Addiction.Basic Six.• Biological/disease Model. • Psychodynamic Model. • Moral/spiritual Model. • Environmental Model. ... Biological.• Indicates a biological predisposition – neurotransmitter imbalance – brain.dysfunction.• Has been linked to the development of: • Addiction. • Mood disorders. ... Biological research.More items...
What was the first model of addiction?
The first model viewed addiction as a moral failure for which addicts are rightly held responsible and judged accordingly.
What is the purpose of learning about the actions of specific substances on the neurochemistry (neurotransmitters)
Learning about the actions of specific substances on the neurochemistry (neurotransmitters) in our brains also helps us develop strategies for intervening with substance use disorders, including medications and the use of mindfulness meditation and neurofeedback approaches.
Does genetic makeup determine destiny?
However, genetics alone do not determine a person’s destiny: genetic makeup interacts with environment and a person’s lifetime of experiences and interactions with their environmental contexts to determine whether a substance use disorder emerges.
Do people with substance use disorders develop addiction?
Just to repeat that fact: most people with substance use disorders in their family history never develop the problem themselves. Another fact that has emerged from decades of research is that there is no one specific “addiction gene” that applies to all different types of substances.
What are biological models of addiction?
Biological models of addiction emphasize the importance of genetics and the biological forces of nature. These theories suggest that brain chemistry, brain structure, and genetic abnormalities cause human behavior. Many of these models have not been tested or applied to every specific type of addiction.
What causes addiction?
According to the biological model, each person's unique physiology and genetics causes addiction. People differ in the degree to which they like or dislike a particular addictive substance or activity. Some people may enjoy a substance or activity so much that it becomes very tempting and difficult to resist. ...
What is the purpose of genetic recovery?
Recovery consists of recognizing and understanding one's genetic vulnerability. Once this vulnerability is identified it becomes necessary to abstain (or at least moderate) from addictive substances and activities. Treatment provides education that helps people to understand and accept their genetic predisposition.
What is biological approach to addiction?
Biological approaches to addiction treatment attempt to correct or modify the presumed underlying biological causes of addiction. This approach follows a logical rationale. If we know what caused something to become broken, we can fix it.
Can a broken brain cause addiction?
According to biological models of addiction, a "broken" or damaged brain causes addiction. For example, perhaps someone's brain chemistry makes a particular drug a little bit too rewarding. This would make drug use very difficult to resist.
Is nutritional additives funded by the pharmaceutical industry?
However, because research is limited in this area, it is difficult to determine the effectiveness and safety of nutritional additives. Most pharmaceutical studies are funded by the pharmaceutical industry. In contrast, most studies of psychological approaches to addiction are funded by the government. These approaches are discussed in the ...
Why is addiction a biological model?
This is why physiology of addiction supports the biological model due to its functions and abilities to investigate the chosen phenomenon as a complex mechanism that has to work accordingly. In its turn, the genetic model is supported by neurobiology as the changes and control are observed in the human brain.
What are the factors that influence addiction?
A person has to live under the conditions set by society, and even if some genetic factors promote addiction, environmental factors may predetermine the development of drug, alcohol, or some other type of addiction. In comparison to the genetic perspective, the biological model defines addiction as something constant.
Can natural addiction be controlled by humans?
In spite of the fact that some people still believe that it is difficult to discover the ways of how natural addiction may be controlled by a human, some genetic theorist continue making the attempts and identifying the methods with the help of which addiction becomes less harmful for a person .
Is addiction a psychological phenomenon?
Introduction. Addiction is one of the most difficult phenomena to investigate: first, it deals with a number of psychological substances which are not easy to define and comprehend, and second, human dependency is regarded as the main factor of addiction that is hard to control. The researchers find it necessary to use several theories ...
Can you stop being addicted to something?
According to the biological theorists, a person may be either addicted to something or not. It is impossible to stop being addicted to something. In other words, the genetic model does provide people with a kind of hope that addiction may be controlled due to the investigation of the particular factors, and the biological model does not provide ...
How does biology affect addiction?
Biology works in conjunction with many other factors to result in addiction, and treatment must encompass all of those factors too. The notion that addiction is one thing for all people can be dangerous and leave many addicts feeling misunderstood, reacting to an imposed rationale for their experience.
Why do we have a genetic blueprint for addiction?
Not only does our genetic blueprint make us more susceptible to addiction, but the ways our brains are wired make us more vulnerable to substance-abuse problems, as the use of these substances alters the way our brain functions and further cements the foundations for addiction.
Is mental illness a biological health problem?
The research suggests that people with a family history of mental illness or addiction are more at risk of developing these conditions themselves compared with someone who has neither of the risk factors . This is the same explanation that drives most biological health problems, such as heart disease, breast cancer, and diabetes.
Is biology necessary for drug use?
This means that, while biology is necessary for drug-use problems to develop (if your brain doesn’t react to a drug, you will not become addicted to it), it is not sufficient to explain them. As far as I’m concerned, this alone means that we cannot rely on biology as the stand-alone explanation for addiction.
Is predeterminism a risk factor for addiction?
Yes, there’s some power in knowing what may make you at risk of addiction. As a society, we can look at ways to minimize these risk factors, and therefore the possibility of addictive behaviors. However, predeterminism can also promote a sense of helplessness. It may lead you to think, Well, addiction is in my genes.
