Many people see addiction as some monolith, or rather, they see it as a simple “cause and effect” situation. “One uses alcohol or drugs too much, and thus one becomes addicted to alcohol or drugs.” Of course, this is not the case. Addiction is much more complex and nuanced than that. Also, addiction is a subject that is still debated among the medical and recovery community. This debate often involves the various models of addiction, of which there are primarily five.

Understanding the 5 Primary Models of Addiction

While there are some arguments about the number of models of addiction, the consensus is generally that there are five of note. These models of addiction are the disease model, the moral model, the genetic model, the personality model, and the cultural model (the models of note missing would be the psycho-dynamic model and the social education model).

Now, interestingly enough, other than the disease model (which is the most agreed upon), most people link the remaining four models together as “behavioral” aspects of addiction. However, it is essential to understand the individual characteristics of each.

The Disease Model

Now, the disease model really began to take hold around the early 20th Century, and it became more cemented as the predominant theory when it was linked to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA promoted the disease model in its first-ever printing of its primary text, The Big Book.

The Big Book and its promoting medical expert, Dr. Silkworth, explained that addiction (in this instance alcohol addiction) should be considered more like a physical allergy. Once an individual that has the disease of alcohol addiction takes in any alcohol, this allergy is triggered and from there on the individual is unable to stop under their own willpower.

This disease model has since been corroborated by various studies that have shown how addiction changes certain patterns in the brain, as well as how people with addiction begin to metabolize and break down alcohol and certain substances in different ways. Now, because of our understanding of the disease model, the next model is now widely believed to be mute.

The Moral Model

Now, the moral model of addiction is quite frankly antiquated, and this is the consensus among most specialists and people in the recovery community. We know this to be antiquated due to the previous model discussed, and the other models that will soon be discussed.

The moral model posits that the person with the addiction chooses to use alcohol and/or drugs under their own volition. Yet, this does not take into account anything other than an assumption of immoral character. Honestly, this model is not only disregarded but also stigmatizing and demoralizing in its own right.

The Genetic Model

Now, the genetic model posits that people are predisposed to addiction based on their genetic make-up. This model is also becoming more and more accepted among medical and recovery specialists.

However, most people agree that genetics are not entirely responsible for one’s addiction, as people from the same lineage do not struggle with the same issues of addiction. Most people agree that it is a factor, but not the only factor.

The Personality Model

Now, the personality model is one that many people may be familiar with simply based on common language and phrasing. The most common being “I have an addictive personality.”

While this may be true for some people, the issue is somewhat of the “chicken or the egg argument.” Many people may have an addictive personality, but there is no sole reason for this. Most likely it is due to genetics, or the next model of addiction: the cultural model.

The Cultural Model

This model addresses one’s environment when it comes to the potential to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. It deals with socio-economic factors, as well as domestic factors and issues of population discrimination.

Studies have shown that disenfranchised people have a greater likelihood of struggling with addiction. But, again most people agree that cultural issues are not the sole reason why an individual may end up with addiction issues.

Clearview: Recovery During Treatment and Beyond

Most people agree that addiction happens for a combination of reasons, and all models (except for the personality model) tend to come together in one way or another to create addiction potential. However, while it is good to understand the models of addiction, it is even better to understand that addiction is wholly treatable regardless of where it manifests.

For those of us who have achieved sobriety and long-term recovery, we understand this. So, now we can use this information about the models of addiction to better understand our own potential underlying causes for addiction, as well as help others to understand theirs.

At Clearview, our primary purpose is to help those who are struggling with addiction, as well as those who are struggling to maintain their recovery. Yes, we understand the models of addiction as intellectual discussion, but we understand that being there when someone needs it is where we can do the most good.

Most people in the recovery community agree that there are five main models of addiction. These include the disease model, the moral model, the genetic model, the personality model, and the cultural model. However, “the disease model” has the most consensus among addiction professionals, and many believe that the other factors often merely influence the potential for addiction. Understanding these models offers a more rounded understanding of addiction for those looking to expand their knowledge in recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one might be struggling with addiction or struggling with recovery, we can help. For more information regarding the five main models of addiction, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.