The Disease Model of Addiction

What Is The Disease Model Of Addiction?

The disease model of addiction portrays addiction as a disease with biological, neurological, genetic, and environmental origins. This means that addicts have a chronic brain disorder that creates a compulsive drug necessity, developing a substance use disorder.

The disease model of substance use disorders has been around for many years. It was first introduced in the 1950s when researchers began to study people with alcohol abuse problems. They found that these individuals had similar symptoms such as craving, loss of control over their behaviour, withdrawal from other activities, tolerance (a need to consume increasing amounts of the drug), and continued use despite adverse consequences. These findings led to the development of the disease model of alcoholism. Since then, this model has been applied to all addictive substances.

The Debate About The Disease Model Of Addiction

Addiction is a condition that affects the brain’s incentive circuitry associated with motivation and pleasure, resulting in changes in behaviour, emotions, and cognition. Defining substance dependence as an illness has sparked a lot of debate.

The primary critics are those who believe in the life-process model of addiction. According to this model, Addiction is a source of enjoyment and a habitual response, not an illness.

They claim that addiction should not be classified as a disease or condition since the biological processes behind addictive behaviour have yet to be proved. They believe that an addict may overcome addiction via personal willpower and interpersonal healing. The dispute over whether addiction is an illness or a behavioural problem has sparked a lot of research.

According to research on the neurological foundations of addiction, certain individuals have characteristics that make them more prone to addiction. These studies have aided scientists in determining which brain regions are involved in addiction and what roles they play in healthy people.

The Causes of Addiction

The disease model of addiction describes an addiction as a disease with environmental, genetic, neurological, and biological sources of origin.

Biological Factors

A person’s unique biology—their genes, age, gender, and other factors—plays a role in their risk of experimenting with drugs and becoming addicted.

Neurological Factors

Advances in neuroscience have provided a lot of support for the brain disease model of addiction. It has shown that people have varying levels of abilities and brain function to control impulsive urges with rational thought. Mental disorders also play a part in the reduced control of cravings.

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors can influence the severity of substance misuse. Genetic factors are responsible for around half of an individual’s probability of developing an addiction. Some people are more susceptible to the disease than others due to their genetic makeup.

Environmental Factors

Environmental variables have a role in the onset of

• Substance cravings
• Tolerance
• When a substance’s use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms appear.
• Attempts to stop abusing substances have failed.
• Obligations are being ignored as a result of substance usage
• Substance abuse leads to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Use of a drug regularly despite harmful consequences
• Excessive time and resources used in obtaining and using the drug

Because of the abnormal release of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurochemicals resulting from drug abuse, the brain lowers its production of these neurotransmitters. The brain is less likely to make its own chemicals once these drugs have entered it.

This excess impacts the receptors and the brain’s risk/reward system, resulting in tolerance and dependence and physical or psychological addiction to the substance. The physiology of the brain is altered as a result of these processes, and returning it to its original state takes a lot of effort.

Addiction Treatment Based On The Disease Model

The disease model recognises that effective treatment is possible when treating addiction as an illness. The treatment plan is mainly determined by your requirements and goals. Outpatient and inpatient rehab and therapy options are available. Patients in inpatient treatment stay at the rehab centre for a period of time ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Patients in outpatient rehab commute from their homes or sober living facilities. In both cases, the best recovery outcomes are achieved by combining Medication-Assisted Treatments with Talking Therapies and Support Groups.