Theories on Addiction: Old and the New

Old and New Theories of Addiction

CLEARING THE PATH

Connections between the Old and the New Theories of Addiction

Addiction in the Earlier Centuries, Early Theories

the Temperance Movement

In the 17th century, alcohol did not have a bad name (Sturt, 2009). It was even more respected and considered safer than water and more healthful. This made the innkeeper of spirits a valuable member of the community in those days. Moreover, man was perceived as distinct from nature. Man has a soul and free will and a sense of responsibility for his actions. Animals, in contrast, only possess biological drives. This perception of man viewed alcoholics as too indulgent in the habit and, therefore, must be punished. In the late century up to the early 20th century, the formation of the temperance movement introduced the view of drinking as evil, which makes alcoholics victims. The first disease concept surfaced at this time and viewed alcoholism as an illness. It condoned drinkers as merely passive and giving in to the power and influence of alcohol (Sturt). The temperance movement advocated abstinence, particularly alcohol, so strongly that it led to the passage of prohibition laws (ProCon, 2014). Banning the use of alcohol became a problem to the authorities. Its growing popularity also presented as a source of high levels of taxes. Stern attitudes towards drinking and errant human behavior were becoming lax. Only a small minority who drank alcohol to excess were considered problematic and had to be treated. But the greater part of society took alcohol consumption as an agreeable habit (ProCon).

Opium

In January 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed three bills sponsored by Representative Francis B. Harrison, called the Harrison Act, to remedy the drug problem (ProCon, 2014). It required physicians who prescribed opium or any of its derivatives to add a serial number obtainable only from the Internal Revenue Department on every prescription. They also had to register with the federal government every year. By 1936, the use of marijuana was replaced by other pain killers, including opium-derived drugs (ProCon).

Iatrogenic Theory

This theory states that addiction or dependence on drugs develops as a result of unnecessary prescribing by physicians and pharmacists (Mustro, 1985). It also developed from dosing children and infants and the prescribing of opiates for dysmenorhea or menstrual pain. This view prevailed until 1914, especially among the upper and middle classes (Murton). From this followed the social contagion theory.

Social Contagion Theory

This theory holds that individuals are influenced by the behavior, attitudes and values of others (Tarter, 2014). The influence can be in the form of direct role modeling or from observation of behaviors in the media. Watching violent films on TV, for example, enhances the likelihood of violence. This theory suggests that this influence is particularly intense among adolescents, who are most susceptible to the influence of drug use. It is not easy for them to resist and say "no" to drug offers (Tarter). From this theory developed the psychopathological theory.

Psychopathological Theory

This theory argues that psychiatric problems are very likely present n drug dependent persons (McKenna, 2010). Each of these psychiatric problems can incline the person to drug dependence. This theory developed to fill the gap in the study of addiction as a character pathology but with insufficient consideration of other contributing factors (McKenna)

Contemporary Theories on Addiction

Learning Theory

This theory, which surfaced in the 20th century, assumes that behavior develops from a person's interactions with the environment and other persons in it (Mendocino, 2010). It rejects the view that extreme behavior and addictions are illnesses. Rather, it views addictions as learned behaviors. It also holds that classical conditioning exlaints how environmental stimuli can induce the craving for drugs. The theory particularly applies to adolescents who tend to imitate peer behaviors (Mendocino).

Psychodynamic Theory

This views drug abuse as a symptom of some underlying psychological problem, which causes it and can explain it (Mendocio, 2010). The individual resorts to drugs as a maladaptive psychological coping strategy. Drug abusers, as viewed by this theory, self-medicate and must resolve the internal conflict that lurks behind it. When this conflict is adequately solved, drug use will become unnecessary (Mendocino).

The Disease Theory

This model regards addiction as a brain disease caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters. The agent is the drug, the vector is the dealer, and the host is the addict. Curing this disease means eliminating the illicit drug (Mendocino).

The Family or Genetics Theory

The transmission of the risk of addiction is mediated by genetics, according to this theory (Angres & Angres, 2008). Animals studies have demonstrated this assumption in traits like sensitivity to intoxication and sedative effects, tolerance and withdrawal, and susceptibility to organ damage. This assumption is supported by family illnesses studies, twin studies, and adoption studies. The Human Genome Project provides evidence that can help understand the role of genetics in alcoholism (Angres & Angres).