Which model views addiction as a disease?

The Disease Model of addiction is rooted in the understanding that addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. This model posits that addiction is a medical condition that can affect brain function and behavior, similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.

Proponents of the Disease Model emphasize the biological, genetic, and neurochemical underpinnings of addiction, suggesting that individuals may be predisposed to addiction irrespective of their personal choices or environmental factors. This approach helps to reduce stigma and promotes the idea that addiction should be treated with medical interventions, counseling, and ongoing support rather than solely as a moral failing or a result of poor behavior.

There are other models that approach addiction from different perspectives. The Social Model emphasizes the influence of societal factors on addiction, the Behavioral Model focuses on learned behaviors and environmental cues, and the Criminal Model views addiction primarily in the context of criminal behavior and legal implications. However, none of these models frame addiction as a disease in the same way that the Disease Model does, which is why the Disease Model is distinctly recognized for its emphasis on the medical nature of addiction.