Introduction
The issue of correcting addiction challenges in a client may be a challenging case for determination of the cause of the disorder is usually a prior activity in treatment. The development of treatment options for an addiction disorder may require the recognition by the counselor that the disorder is caused by multiple factors that call for the integration of treatment models. Some of the common predisposing factors to addiction may include psychological reasons, genetic predisposition, or disruption of personal development which may all require the utilization of a specific model to address the addiction case. Therefore, the paper is set forth to discuss four different categories of models and evaluate their purpose in explaining an aspect of the client’s addiction.
The Moral Models
According to Capuzzi & Stauffer (2020), the moral model holds that addiction is a result of moral failure where the client is regarded to lack self-control over unwanted actions. The moral models describe individuals in addiction to entail the characteristics of lacking willpower, unwilling to change their own lives, and making poor choices. The most common referral to the moral model is that addiction is a result of a defect in the individual’s character and the breakthrough from the disorder still relies on character changes or developing moral strength. The application of the model is basically based on dependency on illegal substances or drugs and does not take into consideration the biological and genetic components of addiction (Frank & Nagel, 2017).
The biblical truths and Christian principles that relate to the moral models are evident in the biblical explanation of human nature and sin. The model is based on moral failing which may be the basis of sin while the Christian perspective of addiction can be translated as the manifestation of nature. However, the biblical view on overcoming addiction is similar to that of the moral model for they both conform to the same idea that transformation from fallen moral or sin can help an individual overcome the will to sin or abuse a substance. The book of Romans (3:23-24) states “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Therefore, the biblical truths and Christian principles align with the components of moral models.
The moral model of addiction has proven to be an essential category in addiction disorder treatment for it emphasizes the individuals’ actions’ accountability. The individual is made aware of the consequences of their behavior and encouraged to take responsibility for themselves hence being motivated to make positive changes. The moral model of addiction plays a crucial role in treatment by calling for personal responsibility which empowers individuals to take control of their actions (Pickard, 2021).
The Psychodynamic Model
The psychodynamic model is perceived based on addictions caused as a result of unsolved past issues which may include unconscious emotional distress, traumas, and injuries (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). Various psychological processes can be employed to help overcome the disorder through reinforcement, conditioning, and emotional regulation. The counselor has to bear an understanding of the client’s thoughts and feelings to be able to apply therapy which is based on exploring emotions to understand how the thoughts related to the addiction in the case (Khantzian, 2021). The psychodynamic model of addiction is based on the unconscious mind which may have been due to past circumstances, especially in childhood experience is usually the root cause of addiction behavior hence the need to identify the past circumstance and use psychological processes to shape present behavior.
The psychodynamic model of addiction also has biblical and Christian principle perspectives for the Christian religion delves most into matters of the mind and thoughts which are some of the core factors of consideration in a psychodynamic model of addiction. The Bible states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV, Romans 12:2). While the psychodynamic model of addiction holds that addiction which is based on past trauma can be solved through psychological process to transform the mind and thoughts, the bibles also teaches that we may overcome the patterns of sin by transforming our mind.
The psychodynamic model provides a good explanation of addiction because it explores past experiences and unconscious conflict which are usually neglected in other interventions hence holding a unique treatment attribute. An individual may not be aware of the internal conflict in the unconscious world which may trigger addictive behavior hence the need to address them and develop healthier strategies to manage emotions triggered by the thoughts (Baurer, 2021).
Family Models
The family Models perceives that addiction behaviors are perpetuated by the nature of the family system of an individual (Capuzzi & Stauffer (2020). The family context is an essential component while addressing the cause of a behavior in an individual for various family perspectives such as narrative, attachment, and systemic are essential factors. The models also hold that since the family system is an influential factor in addiction disorder, it is essential to associate the family member of the client with the treatment (Kourgiantakis et al., 2021).
The biblical truths have firmly discussed the issues of unity within the family and the need to support one another which are key aspects of the family model. The Christian principles have also firmly ensured that it communicates the essence of love and support to one another which are vital attributes expected of a family member in times of addiction disorder treatment. The Bible explains “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV, Ephesians 4:32) which teaches the aspect of forgiveness that can be used to rebuild a family system broken by conflict.
If an individual is addicted, the consequences of the disorder may not only affect the individual but may also influence the entire family by creating stress and conflicts hence the necessity of the family models. For instance, rigid family roles, poor communication, and unsolved conflicts within the family have been identified as some of the factors that can contribute to addiction disorder in a family member (Ólafsdóttir, 2020). One significant family model is the Systematic Family Model of Addiction which identifies the family factor that triggers addiction by addressing various family dynamics supporting addiction to treat the disorder and also changes the family system to avoid or eliminate addiction triggers.
The Disease Models
According to Capuzzi & Stauffer (2020), the disease models suggest that addiction is based on biological aspects and neglect other factors by suggesting that addiction determinants are genetic predispositions and structural changes present in the brain of the client which may be a result of various factors such as substance abuse. Therefore, the model suggests that the loss of control, and alteration of the structure of the brain and functioning which is a result of substance abuse is the primary cause of addiction (Pickard, 2021).
The biblical truth talks about the consequences of one actions which relates to concepts of disease models where addiction is based on getting exposed to substances. However, both the biblical and the disease models hold relief and the ability to recover. The bible confirms restoration by asserting that, “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD,” (NIV Jeremiah 30:17).
The application of the model is essential for it helps cover the role played by brain abnormalities in addiction. The model can help explain why it may become challenging to reverse addiction in some cases after the implementation of various interventions and treatment strategies over a long period with no positive result. The model holds that the brain abnormalities of an individual are the predisposing factors to addiction that once introduced to a substance lead to addiction (Pickard, 2021).
Conclusion
The treatment of addiction can be seen as one that involves more than a single cause for there are various factors that may merge hence the need to explore various treatment models. All the examined treatment models hold significant impact based on their arguments and beliefs which makes them nonsuperior over the others. The biblical perspective of all models also translates and sound hope of the possibility of recovery from the disorder if models are well applied to the problem. Therefore, a counselor needs to build a better understanding of the application of each model before deciding to use it to solve an addiction disorder.
References
Baurer, F. M. (2021). Psychodynamic treatment with the addicted person. Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 49(3), 404-424.https://doi.org/10.1521/pdps.2021.49.3.404
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (Eds.). (2020). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.). Pearson
Frank, L. E., & Nagel, S. K. (2017). Addiction and moralization: The role of the underlying model of addiction. Neuroethics, 10, 129-139.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12152-017-9307-x
Khantzian, E. J. (2021). A Psychodynamic Focus on Addictive Vulnerability. The American Psychiatric Association Publishing Textbook of Substance Use Disorder Treatment, 335.
Kourgiantakis, T., Ashcroft, R., Mohamud, F., Fearing, G., & Sanders, J. (2021). Family-focused practices in addictions: A scoping review. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 21(1), 18-53. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256X.2020.1870287
Ólafsdóttir, J. M. (2020). Addiction within families the impact of substance use disorder on the family system.
Pickard, H. (2021). Addiction and the self. Noûs, 55(4), 737-761.https://doi.org/10.1111/nous.12328
Pickard, H. (2021). Addiction and the self. Noûs, 55(4), 737-761. https://doi.org/10.1111/nous.12328
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