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Addiction: Social, Psychological and Biological Theories

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You are trying to understand theories that address why certain people become addicted to drugs while others do not. Identify and discuss at least 2 different theories regarding how social, psychological and biological issues influence addiction. Identify strengths and weaknesses in how each theory is able to explain addiction.

Do you agree with the theories that you discussed? Explain your answer.

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Solution Summary

Examines three theories of addiction social, psychological and biological and how these factors influence addiction. It also introduces an integrative approach.

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RESPONSE:

1. You are trying to understand theories that address why certain people become addicted to drugs while others do not. Identify and discuss at least 2 different theories regarding how social, psychological and biological issues influence addiction. Identify strengths and weaknesses in how each theory is able to explain addiction. Do you agree with the theories that you discussed? Explain your answer.

In current biomedical, social and psychological theory and research there has been a great deal of controversy concerning the nature of addiction.

The biomedical model is the dominant view, which sees addiction as a disease triggered by the substance; others deny the usefulness of the concept altogether. This gave rise in the 1990s. Over time, using alcohol and/or drugs changes the brain structure and functions. These changes persist long after you stop the drug and or alcohol. Once the addiction impacts the brain, the client is drawn behaviorally to support the addiction e.g., drinking alcohol or using drugs so to avoid withdrawal. This theory has strength in that it helps to explain the compulsion to drink without regard for the consequences. However, it ignores the social aspects and influences of addiction (Coombs & Howett,2005, ...

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