The disease model of addiction describes a substance use disorder as a disease. The bio-psychosocial model as first proposed by George L. Engel in 1977 states that the development of a disease is influenced by biological factors (genetic, biochemical etc.), Phycological factors (mood, personality, behaviour etc.) and Social factors (cultural, familial, socioeconomic etc.) present in an individual`s life and all these factors should be considered when a treatment strategy is developed. It is not possible to identify precisely what causes an individual to develop a substance use disorder. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint one specific are of focus when considering treatment. The bio-psychosocial model emphasises how many different elements from all aspects of the individual’s life and life experience can influence and trigger the development and subsequently the treatment of such a disorder.
The Model suggests that when looking at a person who suffers from a substance use disorder, it is important to understand that there are many factors contributing to the problem behaviour, and treating the substance use and resulting physical deficiencies alone will not guarantee a prolonged period of abstinence. In order for an individual to achieve a sustainable state of being free from substance use, there has to be a method of treatment focused on understanding contributing factors in each individual`s life. Once an understanding of the patterns of behaviour starts to emerge the focus of the treatment needs to be shifted to providing sustainable alternative forms of behaviour.
Studies show that when attempting to change the behaviour in regards to an illness education of the risks relating to the illness alone is insufficient. Education sessions on the negative effects of the substances of abuse is not strong enough to motivate abstinence from the substance. In the case of a substance use disorder the individual needs to be educated on the emotional process happening within that triggers the problem behaviours. The belief systems of the individual dictate the emotion that life situations bring forth within the person and these emotions dictate the individual’s behaviour. These belief systems relate to the core beliefs and values of a person, and false belief systems that contribute to problem behaviour can be identified and altered using cognitive group therapy and by working a 12 step recovery program with another person in recovery. These forms of therapy allow the individual to gain a better understanding of how the disease interacts with them personally, and this self-education enables the individual to identify the feelings that motivate their acting out by using their substance of choice.
Experience shows that there are many other mechanisms that a person will use to enable themselves to stay in a hopeless state of active substance use but are unable to identify within themselves. Using substances is the addicted persons way of attempting to avoid life on life`s terms and avoiding their feelings. When the substance is used the individual`s real feelings are suppressed and replaced by a false feeling of happiness brought on by the chemical they have ingested. This happiness is not real but for the substance user this false state of being is better than what being present in their own life feels at that moment. This self-deception is a cornerstone of the disease and is built up over time to allow the substance user to avoid taking personal responsibility for their situation and for their substance use disorder. What is happening in their real life has little effect on the substance user when the possibility of escaping to that place of false happiness is easier than dealing with whatever state their life is in at that moment. >>>