PSY-200 1-1 Discussion: Seven Models

Introduction

Welcome to this PSY-200 1-1 Discussion: Seven Models, where we will explore and compare the 1960 disease model of addiction by Jellinek with PSY 200 one of the seven models outlined in our course materials. This OwlisdomvPSY-200 1-1 Discussion: Seven Models guide will assist you in structuring your discussion post and responses, ensuring that you present a clear, thoughtful, and well-supported analysis of these addiction models.

Compare the 1960 disease model by Jellinek to one of the seven models discussed in your book. The seven models you can choose from:  1. Moral model  2. Psychological model 3. Family model 4. Disease model 5. Biological model 6. Sociocultural model 7. Multi-causal model

Provide a statement of your personal definition of addiction (This is just how you see addiction and does not have to have any models of addiction to support it.).

Step 1: Crafting Your Personal Definition of Addiction

• Reflect on Your Understanding: Begin by thinking about what addiction means to you. How do you perceive it? Consider the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, and how these elements influence your view.
• Write Your Definition: Articulate your definition of addiction in a concise and clear manner. This should reflect your personal perspective and does not need to align with any specific model of addiction.

Example:

 “To my mind, addiction is defined as a state characterized by a preoccupation with a particular activity or substance, rendering the individual unable to avoid it despite the negative impact it has on their life. It is a state of powerlessness, often encompassing physical, psychological, and social dimensions.”

Include a brief overview of the 1960 disease model by Jellinek and the model you selected.

Step 2: Provide an Overview of the 1960 Disease Model by Jellinek

• Summarize Key Points: Provide a brief overview of Jellinek’s disease model. Highlight its core premise that addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, similar to other medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
• Emphasize the Biological Approach: Note that Jellinek’s model emphasizes the biological and neurological aspects of addiction, viewing it as a condition requiring medical treatment.

Example: 

“The medical disease model of Jellinek, developed in the 1960s, posits that alcohol dependency is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the brain in ways similar to other medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension. This model documents clear trends of addiction and highlights the necessity of medical treatment to manage the condition.”

Step 3: Provide an Overview of the Selected Model

• Choose a Model: Select one of the seven models provided in your course materials (e.g., Sociocultural Model).
• Summarize the Model: Provide a brief overview of the chosen model. Highlight its core principles and how it views the development and maintenance of addiction.

Example (Sociocultural Model): 

“The sociocultural model attributes addiction to environmental and social factors, emphasizing the role of societal norms, cultural influences, and social environments in the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviors. It suggests that addiction is not just a personal or medical issue but a complex phenomenon influenced by broader societal dynamics.”

Compare and contrast the 1960 disease model by Jellinek and the model you selected for their definition of addiction.

Step 4: Compare and Contrast the 1960 Disease Model with the Selected Model

• Identify Similarities: Discuss any similarities between the two models. For instance, both may acknowledge the role of external factors in the development of addiction, albeit in different ways.
• Highlight Differences: Contrast the models, focusing on their core differences. For example, while Jellinek’s model centers on biological factors, the Sociocultural Model emphasizes social and environmental influences.
• Discuss Integration: Consider whether these models can be integrated to provide a more comprehensive understanding of addiction. How might a combined approach enhance addiction treatment strategies?

Example

To my mind, addiction is defined as the state that shows a preoccupation with a certain activity or object so that the individual becomes unable to avoid it despite the negative impact that it has on their life. It is a state of powerlessness, and it usually has features of a physical, psychological, and social nature.  The medical disease model of Jellinek from the 1960s laid down the theory that alcohol dependency is a disease like any other ailment: chronic, progressive, and involves the brain just like other ailments such as diabetes or hypertension (Segal, 2022). The model documents clear trends of addiction and highlights a biological approach to the problem, with medical treatment being deemed mandatory. On the other hand, the sociological model blames environmental and social aspects of society as a cause of addiction, feeling that social and cultural factors have core importance in the formation and prolongation of addictive behaviors. 

The comparison shows that these models present different views of addiction. Jellinek’s disease model is concerned with internal and physiological factors of substance dependence and sees it as something that needs a cure and possibly lifelong arrest. On the other hand, in the case of the sociocultural model, the principle states that these external factors should be taken into consideration to explain how addiction is developed. Whereas the disease model focuses on the medical and psychological factors, the sociocultural model focuses on the role of the social system and cultural norms (Glaveanu, 2020). Each of them provides significant information regarding the complexity of the phenomenon under the phenomenon of addiction. The discussion finds that it is possible to integrate these two perspectives to present a better understanding of the various factors that lead to addiction, acknowledging that it is a disease that originates from biological factors and sociocultural factors. The integrated perspective highlights the importance of the use of general and comprehensive strategies that combine work with the person and with the community. 

Respond to two of your peers’ definitions. How does your peer’s definition differ from your own? How is it similar?

Step 5: Responding to Peers

• Review Peer Posts: Read the definitions and comparisons provided by your peers. Identify key points of agreement and divergence from your own views.
• Construct Thoughtful Responses: Respond to two peers, acknowledging their perspectives and offering constructive feedback. Highlight any similarities or differences in your understanding of addiction and discuss how their approach complements or contrasts with your own.

Response to Peer 1

I agree with your perspective on addiction, where you defined it as a dependence on drugs and other substances and the mind’s desire to have the substances. But you lessen the roles of the psyche that give a balanced perspective more in line with what I want to focus on: the versatility of addiction. Thank you for reviewing the psychological model and its virtues with regard to the cognitive and emotional aspects that go with it. It is a fact that Jellinek’s disease model draws attention to the need for studying both personal psychological experiences and tangible physiological elements in order to create a proper strategy for treating addiction. 

Response to Peer 2: 

  Your definition of addiction as a behavioral pattern deduced by the environment is helpful as well. It is compatible with the sociocultural perspective because it envisages external triggers as being responsible for instigating reliance on substances. In comparing your approach to Jellinek’s disease model, you were able to highlight the issues of the social factors and cultural provisions in regard to the treatment of addiction. This broader view is essential in the creation of broad-based interventive strategies that, unlike the Medical Model, do not only address the pathologies of Individually but present a method that regards social and cultural aspects of addiction as a possibility. 

Conclusion 

By following these steps, you will create a well-rounded discussion post that compares and contrasts key models of addiction. This reflection will not only deepen your understanding of addiction but also enhance your ability to integrate different perspectives in analyzing complex phenomena like substance dependence.