CEU presentation for LPC, LMHC, CAP, LCDC, LADC, CAC, LCADC, LCSW, LMFT and counselor support staff.
Theories of Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders
Theories of Addiction and
Co-Occurring Disorders
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes Ph.D., LMHC, CRC, NCC
Executive Director, AllCEUs.com
Learner Objectives
Describe the following theories of addiction
◦ Moral Theory
◦ Disease Theory
◦ Learning and Behavioral Theory
◦ Sociocultural Theories
Describe the theories of mental disorders
◦ Cognitive Behavioral
◦ Biological and Genetic
◦ Learning Theory
Co-Occurring Disorders
Addiction Theories
Moral Theory
Addiction is the result of moral weakness
Associated character traits/defects include:
◦ Gluttony
◦ Sloth
◦ Envy
◦ Pride
◦ Anger
Recovery is achieved through the use of willpower and discipline, and the development of a virtuous lifestyle
Disease Theory
Addiction is caused by a physiological deficit making the person unable to tolerate the drug
Diseases are incurable, progressive and fatal if left untreated
Learning and Behavioral Theory
Addiction is learned both through observation/vicarious reinforcement and direct experiences
People learn through observation that addictive behaviors can be used to:
◦ Cope with stress, depression, anxiety or anger
◦ Feel more relaxed and sociable
◦ Escape from pain
People who find relief in a pleasurable behavior are more likely to engage in that behavior again.
Sociocultural Theories
Sociocultural theories expand upon learning theory
Initiation of addictive behaviors is supported in influences in:
◦ The environment
◦ Media
◦ Social circles (Peer pressure)
Mental Health Theories
Cognitive Behavioral
Irrational thoughts and cognitive distortions can lead to negative emotions and reactions
Over time people “learn” or “acquire” certain thinking patterns
When problems arise, these negative thought patterns can lead to a negative emotional reaction (anxiety, stress, anger, depression)
Biological and Genetic
Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as GABA, norepinepherine and serotonin can lead to negative emotional states
It is thought that some mental health disorders are passed on through genetics
Additionally poor nutrition, unsafe environments and lack of adequate rest can lead to similar neurochemical imbalances
Learning Theory
Depression, anxiety and anger are often related to cognitive distortions and thinking errors
Children learn through observation and direct experience how to think about and react to certain situations.
When children are exposed to people who display cognitive distortions, then they acquire those same dysfunctional ways of reacting.
Co-Occurring Disorders
In American society most people with addictions have a concurrent mental health disorder
The Mental health disorder may have come first, and the person may be self-medicating with the addiction
The addiction may have come first and caused
◦ Neurochemical changes leading to depression and anxiety
◦ Changes in the social support and environment of the person leading to reactive depression, anxiety and/or anger
Summary
There are a variety of explanations of where an addiction comes from
Most people with addictions also have mental health issues
Co-occurring disorders must be treated concurrently otherwise you have
◦ A depressed clean person who is likely to use again to make the negative feelings stop
◦ An addict who is regularly disrupting his biopsychosocial environment causing stress and depression
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