FRAMEWORK

In terms of a general theory or model of the origins and specifics of how addiction develops in individuals, there are none in which I find adequate enough to full identify the ‘why’ as to why people become ‘addicted’ to substances or behaviors. However, I do believe that there are many valid options or points made within the addictions theories existing today.

Initially, there was the moral theory, which basically underlines the moral weakness, which was hidden within those who had substance dependence problems. These people are weak, their addiction is their own fault due to bad personal choices and their behavior is sinful. This is very different from a more resent theory, the Disease model, which implies that substance dependence is a disease or illness. The disease model believes that addiction is not the fault of the individual rather the issue lies with involuntary biological traits. Other theories consist of genetic, or allergy related origins; some include psychological processes such as learning theory, personality theory and humanistic theory while others are based on sociological process such as culture. There are a great many explanations as to why substance dependence or addiction occurs – many more than stated here, however, I have yet to find one that can explain it all.

My personal theory includes small sections of each of the previously mentioned examples as well as the many, which went unmentioned. I believe that there are a variety of differing ways individuals come to be substance dependence or develop a behavioral addiction. I believe it is possible for a person to have developed harmful behavior as a result of a parent or family member having the same behavior (either developed as a result of nature or nurture). I think it is also possible that an individual becomes substance dependent as a result of substance use being positively reinforces just as easily as differences within metabolism (biochemical theory) could influence the harm cause by consistent substance use. It is my belief that the driving cause for substance dependence is different for each individual and furthermore, that it is the individuals interpretation of how they got into the situation which matters rather than what others believe to be the root cause.

The manifestation of substance abuse, misuse, addiction, and dependence is different for everyone who experiences it. The main goal within the field of addictions is to help and treat those who are experiencing harmful involvement with substances and/or behaviors. That being said, it only makes sense to address the root problem when interacting with clients who are experiencing these issues; this is where my theory comes into play. To be successful in treatment I think it is necessary to address the cause for the initial drug use, which more often than not, varies greatly between individuals. One theory cannot begin to account for each individual experience and it makes no sense to me to group them into one framework – rather, the importance lies in what the individual believes to be the underlying cause.

Current theories, in whichever pathway they may be, also lack a lot of components within themselves. Some theories only focus on how the substance dependence begins, while others only specify why it becomes problematic. Each substance or behavioral based issues has it’s own story which I believe to be the most important aspect when explaining the ‘why’ component of addiction.