Theories of Dependence
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The document outlines several theories of dependency and substance use: - The moral theory views dependency as a character flaw or weakness. - The temperance theory states that exposure to addictive substances causes dependence, so they should be banned. - The disease theory treats dependence as an inherited, incurable disease requiring abstinence. - The social learning theory proposes that substance use is learned through social models like family and media.
Theories of Dependence
- 2. The Moral Theory The moral theory states that dependencies are the result of human weakness, and are defects of character. The moral theory has been, and still is widely applied to dependency, however there is no real evidence to support it.
- 3. The Temperance Theory The temperance theory is related to the moral theory. This perspective began with the prohibition movement in the late 19th century. According to the temperance theory, dependence is caused by the mere exposure to addictive substances (or activities) so those substances should be illegal and access made as difficult as possible. Although temperance societies have faded away, this basic idea still drives many of the policies and laws applied to some substances.
- 4. The Disease Theory The disease theory is based on a medical model and states that dependence is an incurable disease. People who are dependent inherited the disease from their parents and are powerless to change it without intervention. This model is the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups that promote an abstinence-only approach.
- 5. The Spiritual Theory The spiritual theory states that people use substances and become dependent because they feel lost or alone because they have become disconnected with a Higher Power. In other words, people that feel empty, alone, or disconnected use substances to fill that emptiness.
- 6. The Symptomatic Theory The symptomatic theory is also related to medical models. This theory states that dependence is caused by mental illnesses like depression, neurosis or anxiety. This theory has never been proven, however it is widely accepted that substance use can trigger some mental illnesses and that many people use substances to self-medicate, manage, or reduce the symptoms of mental illness.
- 7. The Sociological Theory The sociological theory states that people use substances as a way to cope with poverty, discrimination, and family problems. Use is seen as an escape from social issues that seem inescapable.
- 8. The Chemical Dependence Theory Chemical dependence theory states that people become dependent because they have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Once they use a substance they become dependent because this imbalance makes them desire and react more strongly to some substances.
- 9. The Social Learning Theory The social learning theory states that substance use and dependence is a learned behaviour. Family, friends, and the media have modeled substance use as a way to cope with life, have fun, or reduce stress.
- 10. The Craving Brain Theory Dr. Ronald Ruden developed a theory asserting that dependence is the result of a complex chain reaction that originates in an ancient survival mechanism in the brain. When this system is inappropriately activated, it drives the body to crave, sometimes resulting in dependence. https://youtu.be/K3gfzfqEre0
- 11. Whats Your Theory? Many of these theories overlap and build on other theories. Many of these theories have proven to be true in some circumstances, with some people, some of the time. While others, like the moral theory, have never been proven.