Models and Theories of Addiction

Flashcards about models and theories related to drug use and experiences.

What are models and theories?

Explanations, predictions, a mental shortcut used to simplify problems and avoid cognitive overload.

Why do we need models and theories?

To simplify our responses to interpreting complex issues, to automate our thinking and reduce cognitive effort, and to make our lives easier.

Name some important AOD models discussed in this unit.

Shafer’s Model, The 4 L’s Model, The 7 L’s Model, Thorley’s Model, and the Interaction Model.

What are some things to remember about Shafer's model of drug use?

Categories are a guide; patterns of use are not always clear cut. Drug use patterns can shift in either direction. A person may use a number of different drugs and have a different pattern of use for each substance.

What are the 4 L's in Roizen's Model?

Liver, Lover, Lifestyle, and Law.

What are the additional three areas of concern identified in the culturally appropriate 7 L's model?

Loss, Land, and Lore.

What does the 'Loss' component of the 7 L's model acknowledge?

Acknowledges that Aboriginal people experience grief and loss on a daily basis and may use AOD to cope.

What does Thorley's model suggest about substance use problems?

Suggests that substance use problems arise from one or more of three patterns of use.

What are problems related to intoxication?

Results from the acute effects of a substance, and is the most common and expensive in terms of deaths, injuries, and years of life lost.

What are problems related to regular use of AOD?

Problems associated with the steady effect of regular, moderate AOD use such as damage to body and organs.

What are problems related to dependence?

Problems that arise when more and more time is devoted to avoiding the discomfort of not having the substance (withdrawal).

Name three important AOD models discussed.

The 4 L’s Model, The 7 L’s Model, and Thorley’s Model.

What is the key idea behind the Biopsychosocial model?

No single explanation – why some move to dependence/ addiction & others do not. The reason for beginning drug use many not be the same reasons for continuing to use.

What are the three influences reflected in The Interaction Model (Zinberg, 1984)?

Drug factors (substance), Environmental factors (setting), and Individual factors (set).

What are some Drug Factors that contribute to Subjective Drug Experience?

Chemical structure and properties, dose, purity/potency, form of the drug, route of administration, half life.

What are some Individual Factors (Set) that contribute to Subjective Drug Experience?

Gender, weight, age, fitness, tolerance, body composition, family history, genetics, existing medication conditions; expectations, beliefs, mood, previous experience, personality, mental health, knowledge, motives, perceived social acceptance.

What are some Environmental Factors (Setting) that contribute to Subjective Drug Experience?

Location, company & context, cultural influences / sanctions, social norms, religious influences, availability, climate & time of day / week / year, promotion & advertising, price.

What are key characteristics of the Public Health Model in the context of AOD?

Parallels the Interaction model and underpins Australia’s harm minimization strategy.

Provide a summary of the Models discussed in this lecture.

Models & theories help understand drug use, understanding has evolved over time, identifies patterns of use, help understand potential harms associated with drug use, helps us identify patterns of use that can cause harm.