Learning Goal: I’m working on a psychology discussion question and need guidance to help me learn.
3. Gregory posted: Considering the impact that addiction has had in many individuals’ lives, counselors must develop the skills and knowledge to educate
and provide much-needed assistance for struggling addicts effectively. Many models are used to explain the etiology of addiction; however, more evidence and research is needed to understand the truth of addiction (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). “Counselors need to understand various causal attributions clearly and their associated strengths and limitations to be aware and appropriately respond to clients, health workers, colleagues, institutions and cultural groups” (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020).
Religious groups and the legal system have adopted the Moral Model because addiction is viewed as dualistic; it is based on what is right or wrong, acceptable or unacceptable (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). Many consider the moral model as sinful or morally weak. The moral model explains addiction as a consequence of personal choice, and those engaging in addictive behavior are viewed as having the capacity to make better decisions (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). My biblical perspective of the moral model is taken from Matthew 5:48, which says, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Gaining a working knowledge of the Disease Model of addiction has been interesting. This model was first associated with alcoholism but has recently included the addition of other drugs (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). In this model, addiction is viewed as a disease rather than secondary to other conditions, and this model also believes that once an individual has this disease, they will have it for life (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). Looking at the belief that the disease model is irreversible, one would have to embrace the myths that say, once an addict, always an addict. This concept embraces the belief that addicted individuals are powerless, and those who find the strength to break the addiction are referred to as recovering rather than recovered (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). My biblical perspective for the disease model comes from 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but power and love and self-control.”
I thought the Public Health Model shared some vital points on addiction. It shares the belief that individuals associated with public positions, such as educators, attorneys, and others, maybe encouraged to stay clear of addictive behaviors (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). It is always appropriate to publicly present a professional disposition, which is what made this model stand out for me. This model is embraced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), because of its focus on public health (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020).
My original choice was the Developmental Model because it points to how early use during dynamic developmental periods, such as early and late adolescents, can influence long-term addictive neurobiological pathways (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). The concept is genuine for many addicts exposed early in life to alcohol or drugs; their addictive behavior developed at a young age. This model believes that vulnerability is never static or unchanging but varies across the lifespan (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). My biblical worldview comes from 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Reference
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2020). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.