As noted in the Introduction, Engel supposed that the BMM assumed body/mind dualism and that this was an obstacle to accounting for psychological factors in health and disease. I outline in this section two general ways in which post-dualist, cross-disciplinary theories have been developed over recent decades, critical to formulating a biopsychological model. High levels of interdisciplinarity require a unified theoretical perspective and integration around shared themes and questions (Boden, 1999; Committee on Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research, 2004; Strijbos, 2010).
What Exactly Is the Biopsychosocial Model of Addiction?
The proposed new BPSM can be regarded as being, at the time in the late 1970s, a general empirical hypothesis that psychosocial as well as biological factors are implicated in the causes and cures of illness, and as such, it could have turned out false. As things have turned out, however, the model as a general empirical hypothesis has been confirmed. The determination of relevant evidence in the intervening decades has required the development of new research methodologies capable of determining multifactorial influences on onset, course, complications, and treatments. Regarding theory and mechanisms, Engel recognized that reductionism of various sorts in the basic sciences of biology and psychology stood in the way of conceptualizing biopsychosocial causation, and that radical new nonreductive theories were required.
The Intricate Dance: Interactions Between Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors
The model avoids a forced choice between brain disease and condition of a weak will, and thus provides a useful framework for overcoming a neuro-essentialist trap. Instead of focusing entirely on causal, reductive neurobiology and difficulties in decision-making, the biopsychosocial systems model places the individual in his or her social environment and integrates his or her life narrative. The model contextualizes the responsibility placed on the individual and further allows for individual members of society to reflect on their own contributions in facilitating substance misuse (Levy 2007b). The model, therefore, allows for diverse and multidimensional aspects of knowledge to be drawn upon depending on the concern to be addressed, and the tools available to address them (Cochrane 2007).
Psychological Model
- In effect, this process may limit autonomy as it allows for “preference reversals” (Levy 2007a) to occur in situations where an individual would rather not use.
- Individuals with a family history of addiction are at higher risk of developing similar problems.
- Equally, it can be added, cognitive psychological models of specific systems such as memory and attention, need a wider, person-level framework to theorize how lowered function affects the person, for example, or typically, by compromising agency.
- Every learned action, whether pro-social or anti-social, may be prompted by social conditions such as a lack of resources, conflict, social norms, peer pressure, an underlying drive (e.g., hunger, sex, craving), or a combination of these factors (Bunge 1997).
Such new iterations of systems theory concentrate on the cognitive and social processes wherein the construction of subjective knowledge occurs. The dynamic within these relationships can contribute to or inhibit the emergence of a complex behaviour such as problematic substance use, while regulating both inputs and outputs from changing internal and external environments. The complex behaviour contributes both positive and negative feedback, and thus affects how the complex behaviour emerges. Systems theory, therefore, balances reductionism and the intrinsic heterogeneity within systems. There are several processes that actively contribute to substance use with inputs and outputs on biological and psycho-social levels.
Brain Development
While the stereotypical image of addiction might involve a person misusing substances like alcohol or drugs, addictive behaviours extend beyond substances and include activities such as gambling, internet use, and even food consumption. Understanding addiction requires a comprehensive approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors—known collectively as the biopsychosocial model (Masiak, 2013). This model provides a holistic framework for exploring the causes, progression, and treatment of addiction.
According to this model, addiction is the result of a dynamic interplay between an individual’s genetic makeup, psychological characteristics, and social environment. By considering these multiple dimensions, the Biopsychosocial Model offers a more nuanced and holistic perspective on addiction, recognizing that no single factor can fully account for the development or maintenance of addictive behaviors. In conclusion, the Moral Model of addiction, while historically influential, has significant limitations in its understanding of the complex nature of addiction. It is essential to consider this model within the broader context Sober House Rules: What You Should Know Before Moving In of other addiction models that take into account biological, psychological, and social factors.
- Family systems theory zooms in on the family unit, suggesting that addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, but the entire family dynamic.
- In view of the above, systematic re-education and long-term educational work can help drug addicts improve their psychological resilience, cope with discrimination, and reintegrate into society with optimism.
- Think back to the beginning days of the COVID-19 pandemic and how many people were negatively impacted by the social gathering restrictions.
- Hunt (2004) takes the rights-based notion further and identifies and characterizes two ethics of harm reduction.
Factors, and finally, Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests were used to compare each potential category of self-acceptance on the total subthreshold depression score and the total score of each dimension. The general information questionnaire design of this study is based on a clear research purpose and problem orientation, and the questionnaire framework is constructed through a systematic method, and the questions are carefully designed to ensure that the questions are clear, specific and accurate. In the verification stage, first consult experts in the field of psychology to obtain professional opinions and suggestions to ensure the scientificity and validity of the questionnaire content. A rigorous pilot test was then conducted, feedback from the test samples was collected, and the questionnaire was revised and refined according to the test results.
For that reason, individuals who live with an addiction may not completely be enslaved or forced by their brain in the way in which, as Levy (2007a) has previously deferred to Aristotle (1999), “a wind or people have an agent in their control were to carry him off” (p.30). Given the spectrum nature of substance use problems, decision-making capacity is therefore neither completely present nor absent, but may be, at some times in certain contexts, weakened. One area in particular in which these neuroethics notions of addiction may have significant impact is in the clinical setting.
Personality Theories in Addiction
These concerns are often exacerbated by experiences of disconnection, isolation, or emptiness, which can drive individuals to seek solace in substances or addictive behaviors. By addressing these underlying spiritual and existential issues, the Spiritual Model suggests that individuals can find healing and recovery from addiction. The biopsychosocial systems model is grounded in systems theory in which knowledge occurs at the intersection of the subjective and the objective, and not as an independent reality. This is a radical departure from the traditional positivist epistemology, which relies on empirical study and material proof (Bunge 1979; Heylighen, Cilliers, and Gerschenson 2007).
Cultural Dimension
Wolfram Schultz et al., in their 2000 study titled ‘Dopamine reward prediction error signal in primate dopamine neurons, ’ show that our brains release dopamine when humans engage in pleasurable activities. Dopamine signals to the brain that something good is happening, motivating us to repeat the behavior. Addictive substances and behaviors hijack this reward system, causing the brain to release dopamine in much more significant amounts than usual. This intense pleasure surge creates an influential memory association between the addictive substance or behavior and the feeling of reward. Neuropsychology helps us understand how addictive substances alter brain circuits, particularly the reward system and prefrontal cortex.
These distorted beliefs can perpetuate addictive behaviors by justifying continued use or creating a sense of helplessness in the face of attempts to quit (Rezaeisharif et al., 2021). Overcome addiction with our family support system, and regain control of your life! The importance of multiple theoretical perspectives in understanding addiction cannot be overstated.
This concise review focuses the core feature of Engel » s position as well as the scientific controversy that followed during these forty years. Dysfunctional family environments characterized by conflict, neglect, or abuse can increase the risk of addiction (Onyenwe & Odilbe, 2024). On the other hand, supportive relationships and strong social networks can act as protective factors. Many individuals struggling with addiction have a history of trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one (Hays-Grudo et al., 2021). These experiences can create deep psychological wounds that make it difficult for individuals to manage stress and regulate their emotions.
If you have been negatively impacted by one of these factors, are you susceptible to a substance use disorder? The research indicates yes; remembering it is one risk factor and does not mean it WILL lead to a substance use disorder. This theory is often used in counselling in supporting individuals with substance use disorders as it allows supporters to focus on individual, environmental, and societal factors. Given the emphasis on the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors within the Biopsychosocial Model, treatment approaches informed by this model often involve a combination of pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and community-based interventions. The goal of these treatments is to address the multiple dimensions of addiction and provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to care. The Disease Model has several advantages over the Moral Model, as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the biological basis of addiction.