The BioPsychoSocial Model of Addiction
The use of the BioPsychoSocial Model is an attempt to develop a better understanding of addiction using a multidimensional lens that describes the complex nature of proposed causal factors. It says that it is the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors that is important; no one factor is sufficient to explain the development of addiction.
Biological factors include both the genetic predisposition to develop addiction and also the effects of addiction on the body. Studies in neurobiology are becoming more prevalent in the study of addiction, particularly with technological advances in brain scanning techniques.
Psychological factors are related to behaviours, thoughts and feelings in relation to addiction. Many psychological theories have provided a lens to examine addiction, including personality theory, classical conditioning theory, social learning theory, learning theory and, of course, psychoanalysis. Psychological factors have become more important recently with studies showing distinct links between addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and certain personality disorders.
Social factors including the influences of family, friends and other relationships. Addiction usually has a negative effect on the addicts relationships. It effects how the addict relates to people around them. Family systems theory, social systems theory and some cultural and anthropological theories may be used to examine the social factors involved in addiction.
If we can use a multidisciplinary approach to the study of addiction we should develop a more accurate picture of both the problems that are generated by addiction and what needs to be addressed in a treatment program. The BioPsychoSocial approach to the understanding of addiction can also be used to good effect when looking at many topics. An examination of, for example, early school leaving or the development of a healthy eating lifestyle can also be examined through the multifaceted lens of the BioPsychoSocial approach.
Biological factors include both the genetic predisposition to develop addiction and also the effects of addiction on the body. Studies in neurobiology are becoming more prevalent in the study of addiction, particularly with technological advances in brain scanning techniques.
Psychological factors are related to behaviours, thoughts and feelings in relation to addiction. Many psychological theories have provided a lens to examine addiction, including personality theory, classical conditioning theory, social learning theory, learning theory and, of course, psychoanalysis. Psychological factors have become more important recently with studies showing distinct links between addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and certain personality disorders.
Social factors including the influences of family, friends and other relationships. Addiction usually has a negative effect on the addicts relationships. It effects how the addict relates to people around them. Family systems theory, social systems theory and some cultural and anthropological theories may be used to examine the social factors involved in addiction.
If we can use a multidisciplinary approach to the study of addiction we should develop a more accurate picture of both the problems that are generated by addiction and what needs to be addressed in a treatment program. The BioPsychoSocial approach to the understanding of addiction can also be used to good effect when looking at many topics. An examination of, for example, early school leaving or the development of a healthy eating lifestyle can also be examined through the multifaceted lens of the BioPsychoSocial approach.