TheoriesofSubstanceUse.pdf

Theories of Substance Use
Substance use is viewed in a number of different ways. Some of the common definitions are listed below:

Disease Model: Substance use is a disease because its causes, symptoms, and outcomes are known; the

symptoms are also known to get progressively worse and can be fatal. This model falls within the

physiological model of addiction.

Genetic Model: Research has identified a link between substance use and the receptor gene, dopamine,

which is a naturally produced chemical in the body that does a number of things including create a sense

of enjoyment. This model falls within the physiological model of addiction.

Personality Model: A person may be more vulnerable to substance use due to compulsiveness,

depression, and/or hostility. In addition, a person may be more susceptible because of personality

dis s (e.g., antisocial personality, b line personality, schizophrenia). This model falls within the

psychological model of addiction.

Psychoanalytic Model: Substance use results when a person has difficulty self-regulating impulse

control and feelings, as well as establishing interpersonal relationships. This model falls within the

psychological model of addiction.

Family Model: Substance use in children results when they have parents who use and other depressing

factors (e.g., trauma, family problems, abuse dysfunctional relationships within the family). This models

falls within the psychological model of addiction.

Social Learning Model: Substance use is a learned behavior that develops through social interactions

(e.g., such as peer connections). Substance use can also be learned by watching parents unwind with a

drink (or whatever substance); this teaches that the use of a substance aid in relieving stress and tension.

This models falls within the psychological model of addiction.

Moral Model: Substance use indicates that the person is bad or has acted badly because of poor value

systems and/or character defects. As this model focuses on the internal motivations for actions (i.e., value

system and/or character), it falls within the psychological model of addiction.

Sociological Model: Substance use results because of sociocultural and environmental factors that

influence a person’s substance use habits, as well as perceptions of substance use.

Addictive Model: When substance use, risk taking, feelings of rebellion, and adrenaline rush are

combined, there is a heightened probability that an individual will become addicted. This model is a

actually a bridge of the physiological and psychological models.