What Are The Psychological Theories Of Addiction?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There are a variety of psychological approaches to the explanation of drug dependence, including emphasis on learning and conditioning (behavioural models), cognitive theories , pre-existing behavioural tendencies (personality theories), and models of rational choice.

What is the psychological theory of addiction?

The addicted person constructs a whole explanation in their mind about how the behavior makes them feel better . They come to believe that the behavior is the key to feeling good, regardless of how it actually makes them feel, and the negative consequences that follow.

What are psychological causes of addiction?

Heightened desire to re-experience use of the substance or behavior, potentially influenced by psychological (e.g., stress , history of trauma), social (e.g., family or friends’ use of a substance), and environmental factors (e.g., accessibility of a substance, low cost) can lead to regular use/exposure, with chronic ...

What are the theoretical models of addiction?

  • Moral model. During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries addiction was viewed as a sin. ...
  • Disease model. The disease model assumes that the origins of addiction lie within the individual him/herself. ...
  • Psycho-dynamic model. ...
  • Social learning model. ...
  • Socio-cultural model. ...
  • Public health model.

What are the three main psychological theories of addiction?

This paper treats addiction as a problem of motivation, and reviews three main approaches to understanding motivation as applied to addiction: decision-theory, drive theory and behaviourism .

What are the four models of addiction?

The four C’s of addiction are a helpful tool in distinguishing between addiction as a mental health disorder demanding treatment and other types of addictive behaviors. The four C’s are compulsion, cravings, consequences, and control .

What are psychological theories?

In psychology, theories are used to provide a model for understanding human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors . ... A psychological theory has two key components: It must describe a behavior. It must make predictions about future behaviors.

How does the psychodynamic theory explain addiction?

The psychodynamic approach to addiction therapy looks at how past events, thoughts and circumstances shape a patient’s present behaviors . It is believed that these factors result in unconscious processes that cause a person to act in a particular manner.

What are the levels of addiction?

  • Initiation.
  • Experimentation.
  • Regular Usage.
  • Risky Usage.
  • Dependence.
  • Addiction.
  • Crisis/Treatment.

What does disease of addiction mean to me?

The disease of addiction is a chronic brain illness that causes those suffering from it to drink or take drugs despite the horrible consequences .

Is addiction an abnormal behavior?

Since addiction is defined as a compulsive action in the face of negative consequences, addiction can be defined as abnormal behaviour . Abnormal psychology is not concerned with making everybody fit into a narrow definition of “normal”.

What are the key features of addiction?

  • An inability to stop.
  • Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep.
  • Continuing despite negative consequences.
  • Denial.
  • Engaging in risky behaviors.
  • Feeling preoccupied with the substance or behavior.

What can lead to addiction?

  • Family history of addiction. Drug addiction is more common in some families and likely involves genetic predisposition. ...
  • Mental health disorder. ...
  • Peer pressure. ...
  • Lack of family involvement. ...
  • Early use. ...
  • Taking a highly addictive drug.

What are the three types of addiction?

Physical addictions can generally be grouped into three categories: alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs .

What is the social learning model of addiction?

Applied to addictions, the social learning model suggests that drug and alcohol use are learned behaviors and that such behaviors persist because of differential reinforcement from other individuals, from the environment, from thoughts and feelings, and from the direct consequences of drug or alcohol use.

What is the sociocultural model of addiction?

The sociocultural model posits that the cultural standards of any society – specifically, the negative influences of any culture on the way individuals behave – cause addiction.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.