2006 Theories of Addiction

Theories of Addiction
Dr.Arfat Al Dujaily
March.2010
March.
2010
Disease/Medical Model
Addiction is chronic, progressive,
relapsing, incurable & potentially fatal.
 Genetic irregularities in the brain
chemicals
 Drug use in an environment that is
conducive to drug misuse , loss of control
and compulsive use follow

Behavioral/Environmental
Model


Environmental factors can change brain
chemistry
Physical & emotional stress can cause a
person to seek, use & sustain their
continued dependence on drugs
Behavioral/Environmental
Six Levels of Drug Use
Abstinence
Experimentation
Social/Recreational
Habituation
Abuse
Addiction
Exposure Theory


The introduction of a substance into the
body on a regular basis will inevitably lead
to addiction
This theory suggests that anyone can be
driven to exhibit addictive behavior given
the necessary reinforcement regardless of
their biology
Academic Model
Addiction is caused by the body’s
adaptation to continued use of
psychoactive drugs
Changes occur in the biochemical and
cellular level in the body
Physiological Changes

Tolerance

Tissue Dependence

Withdrawal Syndrome

Psychic Dependence
Diathesis –Stress Theory


A person can have a biological
predisposition to addiction caused by
hereditary & environmental factors
It is aggravated or triggered by stress
& psychoactive drug use
Key Factors in Addiction

Heredity: Alcoholism Gene

Environment: Brain Development

Psychoactive Drug Use
 No Exposure -No Addiction
 Repeated exposure possible addiction