Viewed through the lens of the behavioral models of addiction, addictions occur over time, created by external rewards.
Research into the reasons for addiction is ongoing, and the findings are fluid and open to multiple interpretations.
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For most of the 1900s, two opposing theories of addiction and motivation were dominant: the moral and disease model of addiction.
In the first of these models – the moral model – addiction is viewed as a moral failing, and intervention is punitive rather than rehabilitative.
The opposing model, the disease model, holds that addiction is a specific brain condition triggered by neurobiological changes in response to sustained alcohol or drug abuse. This model contends that addicts have no choice or control over substance use.
Along with these, there are a number of other models of addiction that add more nuance and influence involved in shaping addiction behavior processes. Some of these include the psycho-dynamic, personality, temperance, and genetic models of addiction.
These are all different intersecting theories on how addiction occurs, for instance, the personality model of addiction deals with an individual with an “addictive personality”. Whereas the temperance model believes the addictive and destructive power of substances are too strong and it is the drug itself that is the root issue.
Over time, and as researchers gained a greater awareness of the neurobiological variables underpinning addiction, the disease model of addiction dominated addiction research and became the common public understanding of addiction.
Today, even if addiction is still stigmatized, a robust body of evidence refutes the moral model of addiction.
What is the Behavioral Model of Addiction?
Per the behavioral model, addiction unfolds over time, created as a result of external rewards and altered behavioral processes.
Over the years, researchers have explored the drivers of addiction and formulated theories to explain the cause of addiction.
Some researchers, for instance, hypothesize that the primary driver of addiction is avoiding intensely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. While this theory may apply to those with severe heroin use disorder, it does not account for many mild and moderate addictions.
Other researchers theorize that addiction is an entirely medical phenomenon, with addiction caused purely by a lottery of genetics and exposure to substance abuse.
As a theory gets more research behind it, it may grow into a behavioral model of addiction – the cognitive-behavioral model of addiction, for instance.
What are Some of the Models of Behavioral Addiction?
The most common model of addiction examples are as follows:
This model does not account for the biological or genetic component of addiction at all. It is now widely understood that at least half of the risk profile for addiction is genetic. This understanding alone renders the moral model of addiction invalid, no longer offering any therapeutic value.
According to this outdated theory – propped up both by politicians and religious institutions over the years – addiction stems from someone exhibiting a lack of willpower, making poor choices, and showing a steadfast refusal to make positive changes.
Current research does not support the moral model, and the millions of people addicted to alcohol or drugs and unable to simply quit demonstrably prove that addiction is not a choice or a matter of refusing to sober up. Compulsive substance use is involuntary, and it is not driven by a lack of morality.
While this antiquated theory may have fallen from favor in light of contemporary addiction research, society does not always view those with addictions compassionately. Indeed, addicts are still often treated as criminals, with harsh penalties still in place for the simple possession of illegal substances.
Unlike the moral model, the disease model of addiction is grounded on hard research, scientific literature, and strong evidence.
In 2016, Vivek Murthy, MD (former US Surgeon General) stated that addiction is a chronic condition and that the medical and scientific communities support the disease model of addiction due to the significant brain changes triggered by sustained substance abuse.
DSM-5, a diagnostic tool used by therapists and doctors, defines compulsive substance use – addiction – as a mental illness.
This model of addiction differentiates between people with and without the disease, whereas a biological model of addiction sharply focuses on the genetic risk for addiction. Per the disease model, addiction is chronic brain disease or brain disorder. Brain abnormalities cause people with this disease to develop addictions when exposed to certain substances or activities.
Addiction is a zero-sum game according to this model of addiction. Once acquired, this model contends that addiction is irreversible. The only antidote offered is recovery through complete and ongoing abstinence.
Given the challenges for many people of maintaining total abstinence, the disease model underscores the value of peer-support groups. Through 12-step groups like AA and NA, or secular alternatives like SMART Recovery, those with an array of addictions can share their experiences in an anonymous and confidential setting.
A social model of addiction, also known as the cultural model or socio-cultural model of addiction holds that the negative effects of society and culture lead to people developing addictions.
Cultural standards relating to alcohol are not only tolerant but almost celebratory at times. Drunkenness is often portrayed comically on-screen, for instance. Contrast this with some societies where alcohol is illegal and its use is heavily penalized. This model of addiction contends that cultural standards lead more people in those more permissive cultures to pay the price for alcohol use disorder than in less permissive cultures.
Poverty is another wide-reaching factor believed to be a driving force for addiction per the social model. The conditions in impoverished communities are undeniably ripe for addiction to flourish.
A social model of addiction, also known as the cultural model or socio-cultural model of addiction holds that the negative effects of society and culture lead to people developing addictions.
Cultural standards relating to alcohol are not only tolerant but almost celebratory at times. Drunkenness is often portrayed comically on-screen, for instance. Contrast this with some societies where alcohol is illegal and its use is heavily penalized. This model of addiction contends that cultural standards lead more people in those more permissive cultures to pay the price for alcohol use disorder than in less permissive cultures.
Poverty is another wide-reaching factor believed to be a driving force for addiction per the social model. The conditions in impoverished communities are undeniably ripe for addiction to flourish.
Genetic model
The genetic model of addiction is a theory that suggests that addiction is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Studies have shown that people who have a family history of addiction are more likely to develop the condition themselves. This suggests that there may be certain genes that make people more susceptible to addiction, creating a genetic predisposition to substance abuse.
However, it is important to note that genetic influence is not the only factor that contributes to addiction. Human environment interactions and factors, such as exposure to drugs and stress, can also play a role. The genetic model of addiction suggests that these environmental factors may interact with genes on a biological basis to increase the risk of addiction.
The social learning model is a theory that suggests that addiction is a learned behavior.
According to the social learning model, people learn to use drugs through cognitive processes observational learning, and modeling influences. This means that they learn by watching others, perhaps even role models, use drugs and see the positive and negative consequences of drug use leading to the development of addictive behavior.
People who are more likely to develop addiction are those who have been exposed to drug use in their environment. This exposure can happen through family, friends, or the media.
The cognitive-behavioral model of addiction focuses on the role of thought processes in addiction. This model addresses the thoughts, beliefs, and expectations. This model is treated with CBT therapy.
Is Addiction Permanent?
For those struggling with addiction and their loved ones, it can be a common worry to think, “is addiction forever?”.
However, the truth is that addiction is certainly a treatable disease with the right rehab program and aftercare support. While recovery can sometimes take more than one attempt before it sticks, it is a highly effective treatment that can provide someone struggling with addiction a brighter, healthier future, and can change their own lives as well as the lives of others they come into contact with.
Many individuals who are in recovery become excellent testaments to the power of seeking treatment and are a great source of support and resources for others who want to get sober.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, and wondering “is addiction permanent?”, you should reach out to a reputable treatment center. If cost is what’s holding you back, most treatment centers take insurance, which can cover up to 100% of the cost of recovery.
Get Help with Addiction at Renaissance Recovery
If you have been struggling to cope with an alcohol abuse or drug addiction problem, we can help you fight back here at Renaissance Recovery Center.
Even better, you won’t need to pack your bags and head to residential rehab either. We offer outpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder at varying levels of intensity that can all help with successful treatment, including:
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Outpatient Program (OP)
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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
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Remote Outpatient Program (virtual IOP)
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Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Regardless of the level of time commitment that best suits your circumstances and your addiction, all our treatment programs combine evidence-based treatment with holistic rehab, helping you to build the firmest foundation for life substance-free.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol and opioids. You will also have access to individual and group counseling sessions, as well as talking therapies like CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and DBT.
Crucially, you will have a personalized aftercare and relapse prevention plan in place when you complete your treatment and the ongoing support of the team in your recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction. Make this a reality by calling admissions today at 866.330.9449.
