For many people, the disease model of addiction is a new concept. When first hearing about the disease model, you may have questions such as “What makes addiction like a disease, exactly?” or “How does considering addiction as a disease influence treatment for addiction?” Here is what you need to know about the disease model of addiction, along with how the disease model can strengthen the addiction recovery process.
About the disease model of addiction
Most medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, classify addiction as a disease. According to the disease model of addiction, addiction is a brain disease characterized by altered brain structure and functioning. It is caused by a variety of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. In fact, genetics is estimated to account for about half of the likelihood that a person will develop addiction.
While classified as a brain disease, addiction can have significant effects on the body. Effects vary according to the abused substance. Addiction can also lead to the development of other physical or mental conditions.
How the disease model influences treatment
Using the disease model, we can better understand how to approach treatment. Here are some fundamental principles we can glean from the disease model—and therefore use in our approach to addiction recovery treatment.
- Addiction is not a character flaw.
- Addiction usually cannot be attributed entirely to bad decision making.
- Even if substance use began as a choice, changes in brain can cause a person to lose control of their behavior.
- Those who are recovering from addiction need professional attention.
- Will power is not enough to overcome addiction.
- Successful addiction recovery involves continuing aftercare.
These principles prove invaluable during the addiction treatment process. Clients can undergo treatment with the understanding that they are not necessarily to blame for their addictions. Moreover, they can understand that recovery is not an individual journey but rather a journey that they navigate with the help of family, friends, and qualified professionals. Medical professionals help manage withdrawal symptoms; counselors offer personal, group, and family therapy; certified professionals teach life skills for life after treatment; and more.