Theories of the Etiology of Addiction
Certain models and theories regarding addiction have a tremendously valuable impact con society’s reaction toward addiction. There are certain aspects of each theory which are very important in the treatment of addiction. Not all addicts and alcoholics fit into the specific criteria of one theory or model so it is beneficial for Chemical Dependency Counselors to have an in depth understanding of various theories to draw from. Most theories about addiction fail to provide a comprehensive account of chemical abuse, dependence or addiction. There is truth and speculation to every theory. It is important for Chemical Dependency Counselors to continue to research and critique theories because it initiates the creation of new theories. For the purpose of examining two contrasting theories this dissertation analyzes the Disease Model of addiction against the merits of the Moral Model of addiction. The America Medical Association announced alcoholism/addiction as a disease in 1957. This declaration introduced the most widely accepted model of addiction known as the disease model. A Philadelphia physician by the name of Benjamin Rush was one of the first people to consider alcoholism/addiction as a disease. Rush’s view was later expanded and promoted by E.M. Jellinek, writer of the book “The Diesease Concept of Alcoholism”, published in 1960. Addiction medical organizations have adopted the disease model of addiction and this model is currently used in both the professional treatment of alcoholics and other drug addicts as well as in self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Meyer and Quenzer, 2005). The concept of alcoholism as a disease is accurately based on three criteria which support the disease model. In order for an affliction or disorder to meet the minimum criteria to be categorized as a disease it must have a known etiology (cause), the symptoms must get worse over time, and it must have known outcomes. Alcoholism and addiction
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