Mod 1 dis 22

Mod 1 dis 2 How would you use behavioral theories in terms of Jacob’s recovery? Moral Model: This model sees addiction as a moral failing or weakness, making it a choice; therefore, punishment is preferred over treatment (Miller, 2014, p. 7). In Jacob’s case, this theory will not help him as much as the others could, because he already states that he is depressed and feels like a failure for his actions. Shaming him would validate those feelings and rob him of hope. However, the one aspect of the moral model that could be used is the idea of ‘choice’. I don’t believe that there is just one answer for addiction, and a person struggling with addiction has to make a choice to value themselves over the substance, to believe that they are worth the fight to get clean, and they have to choose to believe that every day (sometimes minute by minute). I don’ t think that is a moral issue, but it is an element of responsibility, which can be part of morality. Disease/Medical Model : In this model, addiction is seen as a disease caused by lack of control over the biological factors at the core of that disease; therefore, the only cure for it is abstinence (Miller, 2014, p. 8). In this model, it is believed that the addiction isn’t th e fault of the person, but the future effect of it is; and that the person is powerless over the addiction and if behavior isn’t changed, then the addiction will lead to death. While there is research to support addiction as a disease; however, I feel that it is easy for a person to fall into the trap of “I can’t help it”, which then eliminates the elements of choice and responsibility. In Jacob’s case, there is the possibility that he has a genetic predisposition to addiction due to hi s father’s own struggles, and his depression may be genetic as well. Furthermore, the more he uses cocaine, the more desensitized he will become to the effect of it and the more he will need to use to get the numb feeling that takes away his depression; thus, over time, this can change the brain chemistry, leading to a ‘biological’ or disease based contribution to addiction (I don’t have a citation for this statement, other than quoting myself because I am speaking from personal experience being addicted to cocaine). Socio-Cultural Model: The sociocultural model of addiction considers sociological and cultural elements, particularly in relation to feeling deprived or empty (Miller, 2014, p. 8). Treatment focuses on changing the environment of the person to one that meets their needs for co nnection, acceptance, and finding a place where they ‘fit’ in the world that is different than the one supporting the addiction. In Jacob’s situation, he is surrounded by the people who introduced him to and probably supply the cocaine . There are numerous studies on cocaine use and the person’s environment (one famous one is “The Rat Park”, but there are more current ones), showing that if a person changes their environment and finds connection, then they have a better chance at controlling the addiction. I believe this is the number one most important aspect of fighting addiction: remove the elements of negative effect and replace with elements of positive effect, and in Jacob’s case, this could help tremendously. Psycho-Dynamic Model: This model looks at the psychological cause of addiction, such as traumas and mental illness. It uses therapeutic theories and interventions to find and treat the need motivating the behavior or desire to numb (Miller, 2014, p. 8). In Jacob’s case, he has depression, and most likely has trauma from having a parent with addiction; treating these conditions can lead to a decrease in the addiction behavior or need. How would his culture be important to his recovery process? I already touched on this above, but it is detrimental to Jacob’s recovery process to continue to surround himself with people who are using substances. If he doesn’t have options for other social outlets or connections, then it will be difficult for him to change his behavior. What aspect of the disease model might be helpful to him? A combination of all four models can help Jacob, as an overall treatment plan for him would include abstinence from cocaine, replacing the feeling of reward from cocaine with something else equally as rewarding, changing the environment, exploring the mental health and trauma needs (considering medication only if absolutely necessary, so as not to introduce any substances that may or may not be addictive), having a medical workup to check for anything biological that could be contributing to addiction or mental health (low in Vitamin D or B?), and perhaps using the moral model to look at choices and how our choices affect others. Because he only has 5 days inpatient, I would use those to cram as much Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as possible, to help him control the immediate cravings and emotions associated with addiction (especially shame and anger); CBT for the cognitive distortions that can influence substance use and depression; and use Solutions-Focused Brief therapy approaches to come up with a forward- thinking plan for after inpatient. I wouldn’t focus on too much deep diving into trauma, just on changing the