Syndrome Model Of Addiction Essay

“If the field of addictions is to mature as have other domains of science, we must diligently work toward conceptual clarity” (Freed, 2012). There are many models or theories that attempt to explain addiction. Some refer to addiction as a disease while others find addiction to be a moral issue. I have selected four models that I find to be most interesting.

The first model I will discuss is the Syndrome model of addiction. According to Historical perspectives on addiction, “It proposes that addiction is a disorder with “multiple and interacting biopsychosocial antecedents, manifestations, and consequents— within and among behavioral and substance-related patterns of excess”. The syndrome model believes that addiction is unique to the individual.

This model believes that addiction is a form of learning supported by the dopamine system. The learned behavior becomes stronger with prolonged use of the substance and influences of social, cultural, societal and economic factors. The Neurodevelopmental model describes how addictive substances play a crucial role on the reward system. “The rewarding effects of drugs disappear quickly, leaving frustration, loss and depression in their wake, prompting more drug use” (Hall, 2017). Another drawback of the model is that neurobiology has not been researched enough to support this theory. Nevertheless, there are many positive components of the neurodevelopmental model. This model encourages individuals to search out social connections as a protective factor against substance use. The most significant aspect of this theory is that it believes that addiction is reversible. As stated in disease or developmental disorder, “neuroplastic developmental process provides a more optimistic view of the prospects of recovery than the BDMA” (Hall,2017). This claim is very different from any other model I have

This model believes that addiction is not a lifestyle choice rather a disease such as diabetes or hypertension. As stated on addiction.surgeongeneral.gov, “All of these disorders are chronic, subject to relapse, and influenced by genetic, developmental, behavioral, social, and environmental factors”. This model brought forth a very important issue of terminology change. “By changing the way we talk about addiction, we change the way people think about addiction, both of which are critical steps in getting past the social stigma too often associated with this disease” (Freed, 2012) The neurobiological model supports that treatment should be handled by medical professionals and covered by medical insurance policies. Along those same lines treatment can be costly to an individual with a substance use disorder if they do not have insurance or adequate insurance