Arguments Against The Disease Model

Addictions are a diverse set of common and complex diseases that are to some extent tied together by shared genetic and environmental factors. Addiction includes alcohol use disorders, cannabis and cocaine use disorders, nicotine dependence, as well as non-substance–related behaviors. Both genetic and environmental variables contribute to the use and abuse of addictive substances, which may eventually lead to addiction.

The disease model of addiction rests on three primary assumptions predisposition to use a drug, loss of control over use, and progression (Krivanek, 1988, p.202). These physiological alterations cause an undeniable desire to take more drugs (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012). Addicts are viewed as individuals with an incurable disease with drug addiction as the symptom. The disease model argues users cannot be held accountable for their addictions (Kirvanek, 1988).

In the past, addiction was often considered a sign of personal weakness or a social disease, rather than an actual health problem. However, in the 1950's the American Medical Association started to change the way addiction is perceived by declaring alcoholism a disease.

There are a number of models associated with substance abuse. Each having its own criteria and advocates. The medical model offers that those suffering from substance abuse are doing so because of a biological malfunction, an imbalance. A different model, the psychosocial model, suggests the user is making a choice to use. The spiritual foundation of chemical dependency suggests a sickness of the soul (Doweiko, 2012). Each of these models interrelate and coexist as indicated by a model termed bio-psycho-social-spiritual model (Addiction Foundation of Manitoba, 2000).

The brain-disease model of addiction was discussed, which has been a widely accepted model of addiction; for example, drug counselors and medical schools generally accept the brain-disease model. Have we moved away from the brain-disease model at all? Satel and Lilienfeld (2013) made some excellent arguments against the brain-disease model and I realized why the brain-disease model is problematic. It assumes that the addict has no choice, because they have a disease. In addition, the brain-disease model does not emphasize the psychological and social aspects of drug addiction (Satel & Lilienfeld, 2013). This reading and my Alcoholics Anonymous experience, from Drugs class, tied in nicely. I remembered that the speakers/leaders regarded alcohol addiction as a disease and that alcoholics could never drink moderately again. It was strange to hear alcohol addiction as a disease, but I never thought about the aspect of lack of choice. I also found it interesting that clinicians generalize from those with the worst form of addiction (i.e., clinician’s illusion). I thought clinicians were scientifically-inclined and would not make such generalizations, however, the authors explain that the medical world applies generalizations (Satel & Lilienfeld, 2013). Another interesting piece of the reading was about how addicts can employ self-control, especially when rewards are involved. I was wondering if there are any other reward programs in the US, apart from Project HOPE in

My position regarding the importance of biology and genetics on substance abuse and addiction are similar to recent readings, but I feel that free will is a factor in addiction. My father, grandfather, and grandmother were all alcoholics, and I can determine that the

There are two central debates that often arise when speaking of addiction ; either addiction is a disease caused by the brain, or addiction is a matter of weak will. In comparison the disease model would take responsibility away from the addict and place it on biological reasoning ; the weak will model, would ultimately condemn the addict and place blame on the addicts decision making process and thus blame the addict for their behavior.

I believe drug addiction is a choice that evolves into a disease over time if the drug continues to be used regularly by a person. Drug addiction is a disease that a person makes a conscious decision to receive. Every single person that is addicted to drugs ultimately put themselves in the position that they are in because of their personal choices, however, I don’t believe a single person that is addicted to drugs woke up one morning and said, “I think I will get addicted drugs today”. They consciously chose to ignore the fact that drugs are addictive and hoped it would not happen to them. Gene Heyman argues that drug addiction is completely a choice made by an individual and that it is not at all a disease, which stands in contrast to a widely- accepted view by most health officials.

The moral model of addiction makes addiction out to be a character flaw or weakness. The moral model says that people have the will power to not use and or abuse drugs. It also implies that bad decision making leads to becoming addicted. The moral model doesn’t take into account addictive behaviors or co-occurring disorders such as autism, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar, or depression. One study, found that 93% of people with narcotic addiction also had a mental disorder, such as depression (as cited in Freed, C. R. 2012). Research has discovered a strong correlation between alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder (as cited in Freed, C. R. 2012). For some people the moral model can be empowering and for others can be disheartening. It is possible

After reviewing my initial paper on what I thought causes addiction, I realize my thought was close to the gene-environment theory of addiction. I strongly believe that gene-environment theory is a strong theory of addiction and I still believe that to be the cause of addiction. Addiction also leads to criminal issues in which I think the criminal justice system needs to address better. Additional treatment options need to be available to people who suffer addiction.

Jon Burras who is the author of Return to Nature along with many articles of alcohol. He indicates on how alcoholism is less of a disease and more of bad choices. He states, “ The truth is that alcoholism is a choice there is no genetic dysfunction at its source. And true healing from alcoholism will only come from taking responsibly from bad choices” (1). Basically, what he is saying is people that make bad choices in drinking is not due to a disease but more a choice to continue to drink which leads to have an alcohol problems. It is used as a source to medicate you in order to not face the

I think even though drug addiction may not fit all the dynamics of the disease model, I do believe drug addictions origins are biological, genetic and neurological in nature and thusly treatment should be multifaceted in addressing all psychological, physiological and neurological issues in tandem. Additionally, I also believe that methods of dealing with the issues surrounding how people make choices is also integrally important. Obviously, people's choice patterns are a significant indication that some sort of early remediation could have great success in staying off much more serious behavioral

The disease model: This theory states that an individual who abuses drugs requires medical treatment rather than moral punishment or exhortation. This theory also justifies spending money to research substance abuse in the same way that money is spent to research other diseases. However, usually the term disease is reserved for a state in which we can identify an abnormal biochemical or physical condition. No abnormal biochemical or physical condition has been found in the case of substance addiction, although mounting evidence suggests that some individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction more so than others. Nevertheless, this theory continues to appeal to researchers, and an intensive effort is always being made to identify the physiological “switch” that establishes addiction after exposure to a drug (Lee, 2010).

The disease model of addiction and the moral model of addiction provide completely different explanation for the tendency of substance abuse. The disease model of addiction predates to 1784 when the American physician Benjamin Rush published a pamphlet which discussed alcoholism in medical terms and outlined treatments for what he considered was a “disease” (Atkins, 2014, p. 52). This model of addiction generally argues that it is not the individuals fault for their addiction to drugs and that not all, but some people, will inevitably become addicts in the future (p. 52). Inversely, the moral model of addiction does not view addiction as something that an individual “cannot control,” rather this model looks at addiction as something that an individual can certainly control but that the individual does not chose to because of “weak moral character” (p.52). Although both of these models have been, and still are, widely applied to other substances, the most common substance that it was used was for alcohol.

Addiction is a choice and by classifying addiction as a disease, we are just enabling drug addicts to take no responsibility for their own actions in their lives. By labeling addiction as a medical condition it creates a false assumption that addicts have no control over their own behavior. People become addicts because of their behavior, not their brain chemistry. The disease concept is so popular because it gives people an easy way out; if they inherited their addiction they can’t be responsible for their own behavior. The disease model of addiction is flawed for a number of reasons; first, most people who take drugs do not become addicted, but may take drugs for a period of time, then stop when they choose to do so. Many well respected professors and scientist claim addiction is a scapegoat behavior that has been incorrectly identified as a physical or mental illness, an addict is only a victim of bad science and misguided policy.