The most common view is that addiction is the same as a disease, and they are diseases. He will most likely live with the disease forever if inflicted with it since it cannot be cured. Substance addiction is a disease from the disease model; one is powerless over it hence a need to have the 12-step programs meant to help the addicts of alcohol, gambling, substances, and sexual activities (Volkow & Koob, 2022).In addition, to behaviour conceptualisation and the best therapeutic model to treat addiction, the disease model is the best and very conclusive and most likely to bring about the best result. Initially, it was an empirical model but with an immense legacy. It has helped shape the research model and clinical practice, and it is through the model that the tr=wo look as they are today (Volkow & Koob, 2022). The goodness about the disease model is that it has played a vital role in opening up many areas that warrant more research, inquiry and others relating to addiction behaviours. It has its significance and input felt in areas like neuroscience, medicine, neurobiology, social sciences and pharmacology.
The model as a remedy to drugs and substances treatment model is known to have brought about more positive results in biomedical research and has included the relationship between the addictive process and the brain (Volkow & Koob, 2022). The model has focused on the biological process of addiction, and less has been discussed on the social, environmental, and psychological processes of treating and understanding addiction.
From the model, it is essential to understand that there would be future challenges if the model kept its focus and accommodated the social, psychological and environmental factors. If not, the model will continue using pragmatic methods to improve care (Heather et al., 2022). Understanding and being productive on the potential benefits to be realized if other models are incorporated is good.
The merits of the model are that by viewing addiction as a disease, one is likely to seek assistance and helps in the removal and elimination of shame if one is addicted. Suppose there are injuries caused to the immediate and closer family members. One is likely to be understood as not his wish. In that case, the victim will not be blamed, and the family members will not direct anger to the individual (Heather et al., 2022). The family members would understand that the person was powerless and did not intend to cause harm. The absence of blame, anger and shame makes sit easier for individuals to seek help and assistance, and they are more likely to admit they are facing challenges (Heather et al., 2022). Admitting that they are sick from addiction, they would be active and willing to take the needed steps to address the challenge.
Some demerits include: Accepting addiction as a disease may dissuade others from following therapies; hence the issue may not be addressed (S S. et al., 2017). Believing that addiction is a disease is the same as saying that one is powerless and exerts no control. This inconsistency may negatively impact therapy steps (S S. et al., 2017). There is a chance of instilling the passive fix-me thinking and mindset that is not conducive to therapy progress. By viewing addiction as a disease, there is a chance of being counterproductive during therapies due to the negative expectations that impact the therapy progress. One is most likely to expect relapse if it cannot be cured, and one will most likely go back to the addictive behaviours.
In conclusion, I would recommend the model to a family member struggling with addiction. He will likely seek assistance by understanding that he is powerless. He will not be blamed, and the family ties will remain strong. Lastly, the merits win over the demerits, making the person less likely to return to addictive behaviours.
References
Heather, N., Field, M., Moss, A. C., & Satel, S. (2022). Evaluating the brain disease model of addiction.
S S., Scheeren, M. W., & Dunbar, M. L. (2017). The freedom model for addictions: Escape the treatment and recovery trap. BRI Publishing.
Volkow, N. D., & Koob, G. (2022). Brain disease model of addiction. Evaluating the Brain Disease Model of Addiction, 122-124. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003032762-14
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