Comparison Of Two Perspectives On Substance Abuse

Published May 20, 2010

Introduction

The essay shall examine the transtheoretical model of addiction and the biological model. These models differ in terms of their explanations about the user, the substance abuser and an abuser’s environment. The paper seeks to explore their underlying concepts and also their applicability.

What the theories say about the substance, user, environment and interaction between them

As the name suggests, the transtheoretical model of addiction is a merger of a series of models that include; biological, social and psychological models. The model attempts to explain how substance abusers behave, why they abuse drugs in the first place and how they can recover from the habit. This theory is expressed well in DiClemente’s (2003) book called Addiction and change. The author asserts that in order for addicts to recover, they have to go through a series of steps in their addiction and recovery processes. These are:

Pre contemplating actions
Contemplating actions
Preparative actions
Actual actions
Maintenance

In the book, the author dwells on the recovery process. He reveals that drug addicts have to go through these steps in order to recover. He also gives an explanation of why it is sometimes common to find that alcoholics or other substance abusers tend to go back to their drug problem after choosing to quit. He explains that this is usually as result of not exercising a lot of care in going through the latter steps. When a substance abuser goes back to their drug taking habits after attempting to recover, then it is usually a sign of recycle and some of them have to start again at step one. However, it should not be assumed that Di Clemente (2003) merely focuses on the process of recovery from addiction. In fact, the same steps can be applied to the process of initiating drug use. In this regard, drug users go through the first phase of the model i.e. pre contemplation by examining the behaviors of their peers with regard to a particularly drug such as cigarettes or alcohol. The second step is preparation where potential abusers dare themselves to try the drug. Thereafter, abusers are then compelled into action by deciding to purchase the drug. After this, the abuser begins maintaining their habit. They perceive themselves as regular smokers who may assume that they can quit anytime.

DiClemente (2003) is also quick to point out that while all addicts may go through similar stages, there are different thought processes that characterize various individuals in the process of taking substance abuse or quitting it. For instance, when a mature adult wants to start smoking i.e. in the preparative phase, their thoughts will be completely different from adolescents who want to try smoking. However, there is a commonality between these two categories because both of them will make a decision that eventually leads them the point where they will begin smoking.

The biological model of addiction is based on the fact that certain bodily functions are likely to make one more predisposed to drug taking or they are likely to shape the overall effect of the substance abuse. Besides that, the biological model also considers potential reactions to drug taking based on biological traits. Research shows that the effect of taking drugs differs according to the nature of one’s age. For instance, adolescents are likely to depict more long term effects than their adult counterparts. Besides that, it has also been shown that the nature of behavior during the withdrawal is more severe in certain biological groups than in others. For instance, in alcohol abuse, withdrawal symptoms are much more intense in older adults than they are in teenagers. Chances of developing certain symptoms such as seizures were much common among the older generation than the younger generation. Even the amount of dosing that a substance abuser receives is also dependent on their biological make up. Younger adults have greater capacity to withstand high amounts of drugs in their nervous system than the older generation. Even the capacity to recover from alcohol or drug abuse also decreases with age. For instance, older persons have a greater tendency to continue with the habit than do the younger counterparts.

One’s substance abuse behavior can also be affected by the nature of one’s gender. For instance, research has shown that the long term effects of drugs on males differ from females. In this case, long term effects refer to the decision that people make to continue with smoking or not. Additionally, the latter effects also encompass the issue of progression to other drugs. While there may be limited research on this matter, some scientists assert that certain drugs tend to facilitate the intake of others. For instance, when one takes alcohol, then there are natural tendencies to progress into cigarette smoking.

The biological model is also crucial in understanding how different individuals react to different drugs. For instance, those who have taken drugs from their adolescence tend to record the following long term effects of drugs;

Sexual maturation
Changes in hormonal levels
Heightened chances of brain damage
Heightened chances of poor cognitive abilities
Different electrophysiology

Comparison of the two perspectives

Both theories are useful in assisting substance abusers in the process of recovery. These models give an insight into the mind of substance abusers, their environment and enhance the propelling factors that cause addictions. Consequently, by understanding the problem, counselors, psychiatrists or other helpers can then deal with the problems. Consequently, these theories are quite applicable in the process of assisting addicts to recover from their habits.

The transtheoretical model differs from the biological model in terms of its applicability. The transtheoretical model has a much more direct manner of application than the biological. In the former model, a lot of emphasis is given to the recovery process and it can therefore be easily applied to day to day situations. However, the biological model tends to look at mechanisms that trigger the abuse of drugs and their long term effects. It does not offer a direct explanation of the recovery process. While some guidelines are offered on withdrawal symptoms determined by nature, the model does not give direct solutions to the drug problems. Professionals who decide to use the biological model in trying to understand substance abuse and also in trying to help drug abusers ought to think of their own way of interpreting the linkages offered by the model. For instance, the model highlights the fact that teenagers or youngsters who abuse drugs are more likely to develop long term effects than older users. Consequently, therapists can use these facts to inform young abusers about their habit. By giving them those facts, they may be propelled to quit.

The biological model differs from the transtheoretical models because the latter is a combination of views while the former dwells on the biological aspects alone. Consequently, the transtheoretical models can be used in a variety of approaches to treatment compared to the biological model.

Both models attempt to give an insight into the mechanism of drug taking. Consequently, if these models are well understood, then they can allow therapists/counselors/psychologists to assist drug users to quit their drug taking habits. In other words, both models require contextual analysis for applicability. For instance, in order to help someone with a cigarette problem, one needs to look into the intricacies of their thought processes and which stage of substance because they fall. The latter applies to the transtheoretical model. On the other hand, the biological models also advocates for contextual analysis in that one must look at al the biological triggers, effects and changes that an individual is undergoing during their drug taking process.,

Conclusion

The latter two models differ in their approach and suitability. The transtheoretical model dwells on the recovery process of addiction and is therefore easier to apply. On the other hand, the biological model deals with the causative factors rather than the recovery process. Consequently, it would be advisable for one to encompass both views in order to understand substance abuse fully.

Reference

DiClemente, L. (2003): Addiction and change; Guillford press

Schmitz, J. (2006): Role of drug abuse outcomes in substance abuse risk; Journal of additive behavior; 31, 62, 203

Hunt, N. (2006): Illicit drug abuse and young people; Rout ledge, 89

Fishbein, M. (2002): Attitude, belief, intention and behavior; Addison and Wesley

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Comparison Of Two Perspectives On Substance Abuse

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