Theories Of Addiction

[Silentbill]

Hi

Im currently studying psychology and have a drugs module in one of my semesters. I was astonished at the amount of theories that exist about addiction and have become completely confused. What 2 theories would be the easiest to compare?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Silentbill

[Dickon]

How about social learning model v the disease concept?

D

[Jasim]

Good one Dickon.

It's kind of interesting to note that many of the models seem to go hand-in-hand. Focusing on a particular piece of addiction but taking opposing views on it. Including the one Dickon mentioned, some other examples may include:


Physical Dependence vs. Positive Reinforcement.

Incentive-Sensitization vs. Opponent Process.



None of these models take into account ALL aspects of drug addiction, hence the need for a comprehensive model such as the Biopsychosocial Model, which could be compared and contrasted with all the other models.

If you're really seeking an understanding to the models of addiction, start with the three comparisons suggested and then take a look at how they all fit into the Biopsychosocial model.

[jon-q]

Yea Jasim lots of these models do seem to overlap one another, for example i would imagine it would be tricky to seperate Genetically acquired traits against Socially acquired traits. And just to make things even more difficult to comprehend there's even a “Combined/Blended” model of addiction.

Silentbill:
If you were planning to focus on a specific drug, for example “Heroin”, maybe consider comparing the models} Temperance - Opponent.
If you plan on keeping it more generalised then maybe consider the models} Personality – Temperance.
It would be nice if you could post the finished Article.
Q

[Spucky]

Maybe to Compare between Europe and America (the Us.)
or
Asiatic- Vs. Western medical View