Addiction – The Medical Model
Today, addiction is a global epidemic with catastrophic consequences affecting millions of individuals and families around the world. Over the years, the understanding of addiction has evolved from a moral failing to a recognized medical condition. According to the current medical position, addiction is now considered a disease. It is a multifaceted condition, emerging from a web of interrelated factors including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and societal pressures.
Understanding addiction as a brain disorder and a treatable disease is critical to managing this global health issue effectively. The shift towards this perspective can reduce stigma, enhance research, and improve prevention and intervention strategies. It’s important to remember that addiction does not discriminate and is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower but a chronic disease that requires sustained attention and care. While the statistics on addiction are indeed alarming, recognizing it as a medical condition can help individuals seek help and society to provide it.
Medical Model
“Addiction is a complex brain disorder
characterized by compulsive substance use
despite negative consequences.”
The medical model of addiction views drug or alcohol use disorders as chronic, progressive, relapsing fatal diseases, similar to conditions like diabetes or asthma. It posits that addiction is a result of a combination of biological, environmental, and behavioral factors, and emphasizes the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological elements.