The symptomatic theory of addiction explains addiction as a symptom of a mental or personality disorder. It is not described as a result but as a consequence of mental illnesses such as stress, depression, bi-polar disorder etc. In trying to diagnose or treat this type of addiction, the focus of the professional is on the treatment of the illness whose symptom the addiction is portraying. It is believed that curing the illness will be a cure for the addiction as well. The model also indicates that addictions like alcoholism are genetic, and are passed from generation to generation unless stamped out in one. Hence, the addiction is treated here like any other symptom of a life threatening condition that may lead to liver damage or other physical consequences for the person.
Etiology of Theories on Addiction
There are different sorts of addictions and substance abuse methods that plague the world today. However, in order to cure an addiction, one needs to go down to its root cause, and eliminate it, after which the damages caused can be mitigated and prevented. There are several theories and approaches to tackle an addiction problem. Most trained professionals use these theories in their treatment plan to get a better understanding of when and how the addiction came into being. After which, along with therapy, counseling and medication, the road to recovery can begin.
Medical etiology is the study of causes of an illness or any psychological condition. When a diseases is uncovered which the doctors are unable to explain and understand, an etiologist is responsible for determining the reason for its origin and being (Alcoholism, 2005). In this manner, the etiologist and the doctors are able to detect its main source and then localize the parts of the human body and mind that it affects, and which need immediate treatment.
Although addiction has been a part of our society for several hundreds of years, the theories of how it came into being only surfaced as recent as in the last century. This is due to the increased use of alcohol, drugs and other substances along with issues fueled by the media, pop-culture and the economic conditions, such as self-image issues, sex and gambling problem.
There have been several theories being lined up in order to help treat the aforementioned addiction issues. These include, disease theory, psychological theory, cultural theory, symptomatic theory, personality theory and the trans-theoretical model (TTM). Let us examine the origin and implementation of such theories briefly.
The disease theory has its roots in the belief that all addictions are in fact a form of illness that needs to be eradicated like any other "disease" that plagues the human body. And like any other illness, the model dictates that the origin of the addiction is somewhat neurological, environmental or even genetic. This theory/model prescribes total abstinence from the substance that the patient is addicted to (Sheehan & Owen, 1999). The model indicates that the addictions needs to be crushed by eliminating the source of it all.
The psychological theory is based on the cue that the resulting addiction stems from the unmet needs and desires of the patient, leading them into replacing or muting the needs with substance abuse. People that are prone to this form of addiction are those suffering from the lack of self-worth, image issues, and zero self-efficacy. The theory follows the psychological model that states that the addiction can be cured if the mind of the patient is conditioned to believe that there are things of equal pleasure and satisfaction that can replace the substance of their abuse. Since this theory states that the substance abuse is only a coping mechanism for unresolved internal conflicts of the patient, it recommends counseling and resolution of those conflicts from within as the optimum method of getting rid of the addiction. It doesn't recommend any medicinal drugs to help ease the process.
The cultural/social theory indicates that addictions are developed as a result of the surroundings of an individual in which they live. There are social, economic, cultural as well as environmental factors contributing to the addictions. Examples of such economic, social and environmental conditions include poverty, unemployment, peer pressure, dysfunctional families, ignorance, and exclusion as well as inclusion in cliques (O'Farrell and Fals-Stewart, 1999) . In such conditions, the individual is unable to cope with stresses of life and turns to drugs or alcohol for escape. It also largely depends on the availability of the drugs and other substances of abuse. The treatment for such type of situational addictions varies with the type of situation at hand with the addiction.
The symptomatic theory of addiction explains addiction as a symptom of a mental or personality disorder. It is not described as a result but as a consequence of mental illnesses such as stress, depression, bi-polar disorder etc. In trying to diagnose or treat this type of addiction, the focus of the professional is on the treatment of the illness whose symptom the addiction is portraying. It is believed that curing the illness will be a cure for the addiction as well. The model also indicates that addictions like alcoholism are genetic, and are passed from generation to generation unless stamped out in one. Hence, the addiction is treated here like any other symptom of a life threatening condition that may lead to liver damage or other physical consequences for the person. However, the susceptibility of an individual to drug addiction varies from the individual to individual genetic make-up. It is possible for individuals to attain addictions via learned behaviors, i.e., seeing it in their families and social cultures. In such cases, in order to cure the addiction, one needs to rectify the illness or the mental disorder/memory whose symptom it is.
The personality theory of addiction is based on the model that dictates that personality attributes existing within a person translate into addictions of various sorts. The main personality attributes identified under this theory are that of impulsiveness, hyperactivity, non-conforming and anti-social behaviors. These characteristics coupled with issues relating to self-esteem, autonomy, power and specifically in females, anorexia, leads to the development of substance addiction and abuse. People possessing such personality attributes are said to have "addictive personalities." However, there has been great debate as to whether such types of personalities actually exist, or are simply a by-product of the situations and surrounding in which a person survives. It is not conclusive but certain traits and temperament do in fact effect addictive behavior in individuals.
The Trans-theoretical Model, commonly known as the TTM describes the manner or the behavior in which an individual will react, their willingness and ability to react, to a new environment given that it is good/healthier for the individual. This is the model used to combat and overcome addiction whereby the focus is on the individuals to alter their behavior in accordance with their society for the better. The process requires the individual to be fully involved intentionally in the process of change, in the journey from addiction to sobriety. Change in human beings takes over a period of time, through a course of events, which define whether or not a person will respond to addiction. There are four main stages in the TTM cycle: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation and action.
You’re 87% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.