Benchmark Theoretical Models and Approaches

Introduction

The issue of correcting addiction challenges in a client may be a challenging case for determination of the cause of the disorder is usually a prior activity in treatment. The development of treatment options for an addiction disorder may require the recognition by the counselor that the disorder is caused by multiple factors that call for the integration of treatment models. Some of the common predisposing factors to addiction may include psychological reasons, genetic predisposition, or disruption of personal development which may all require the utilization of a specific model to address the addiction case. Therefore, the paper is set forth to discuss four different categories of models and evaluate their purpose in explaining an aspect of the client’s addiction.

The Moral Models

According to Capuzzi & Stauffer (2020), the moral model holds that addiction is a result of moral failure where the client is regarded to lack self-control over unwanted actions. The moral models describe individuals in addiction to entail the characteristics of lacking willpower, unwilling to change their own lives, and making poor choices. The most common referral to the moral model is that addiction is a result of a defect in the individual’s character and the breakthrough from the disorder still relies on character changes or developing moral strength. The application of the model is basically based on dependency on illegal substances or drugs and does not take into consideration the biological and genetic components of addiction (Frank & Nagel, 2017).

The biblical truths and Christian principles that relate to the moral models are evident in the biblical explanation of human nature and sin. The model is based on moral failing which may be the basis of sin while the Christian perspective of addiction can be translated as the manifestation of nature. However, the biblical view on overcoming addiction is similar to that of the moral model for they both conform to the same idea that transformation from fallen moral or sin can help an individual overcome the will to sin or abuse a substance. The book of Romans (3:23-24) states “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Therefore, the biblical truths and Christian principles align with the components of moral models.

The moral model of addiction has proven to be an essential category in addiction disorder treatment for it emphasizes the individuals’ actions’ accountability. The individual is made aware of the consequences of their behavior and encouraged to take responsibility for themselves hence being motivated to make positive changes. The moral model of addiction plays a crucial role in treatment by calling for personal responsibility which empowers individuals to take control of their actions (Pickard, 2021).

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The Psychodynamic Model

The psychodynamic model is perceived based on addictions caused as a result of unsolved past issues which may include unconscious emotional distress, traumas, and injuries (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2020). Various psychological processes can be employed to help overcome the disorder through reinforcement, conditioning, and emotional regulation. The counselor has to bear an understanding of the client’s thoughts and feelings to be able to apply therapy which is based on exploring emotions to understand how the thoughts related to the addiction in the case (Khantzian, 2021). The psychodynamic model of addiction is based on the unconscious mind which may have been due to past circumstances, especially in childhood experience is usually the root cause of addiction behavior hence the need to identify the past circumstance and use psychological processes to shape present behavior.

The psychodynamic model of addiction also has biblical and Christian principle perspectives for the Christian religion delves most into matters of the mind and thoughts which are some of the core factors of consideration in a psychodynamic model of addiction. The Bible states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV, Romans 12:2). While the psychodynamic model of addiction holds that addiction which is based on past trauma can be solved through psychological process to transform the mind and thoughts, the bibles also teaches that we may overcome the patterns of sin by transforming our mind.

The psychodynamic


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