Theories of Addiction and Treatment Approaches

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Introduction

Over the years, psychological principles have led to the development of different theories concerning addiction and substance use disorders. The latter happens when the recurrent use of items such as drugs or alcohol results in clinically significant impairment, consisting of health problems, failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home, and disability. The aim of this paper is to discuss the theories of addiction and approaches to the treatment of substance use disorders and integrate the information into a statement of theoretical orientation.

Self-Efficacy and Application to Development, Maintenance, and Treatment of Addiction

The theory of self-efficacy explains that the beliefs of people in their capability to produce desired effects through actions are the most crucial determinants of the behaviors in which they engage. This determines how much effort someone invests or their persistence level despite difficulties (Berte et al., 2021). According to (Ainslie & Haslam, 1992), such beliefs are key to particular self-motivated changes in terms of profession and behavior. They also empower mental adjustment, issues, and wellness (Berte et al., 2021). It has been determined that people create their opinions concerning their capability by interpreting information from four sources of influence.

The first one is mastery goals, where the perceived outcome of a person’s past performance is the most potent source. With regard to mastery, experience, as suggested, refers to the emotions people have after successfully overcoming a novel task (Berte et al., 2021). Since it offers the most verifiable evidence of whether an individual has what is needed to accomplish, self-efficacy becomes the most important source of efficacy knowledge. Success results in a strong sense of self-efficacy (Berte et al., 2021). Failures damage it, especially if they occur before a strong feeling of effectiveness is developed. Practice is among the most efficient methods of acquiring a new skill in a specific area.

The second source of influence is from vicarious experiences that social role models avail to people. Seeing others who may appear similar to someone while they are achieving through perseverance increases the viewers’ notion that they can master certain behaviors and succeed. Such experiences discussed include watching others perform a particular task (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). The third source is social persuasion, whereby when a person is offered verbal encouragement as feedback, they are persuaded that they can excel.

Encouragement, as well as disapproval regarding an individual’s performance or capacity to perform, have an effect on self-efficacy. If a person were to tell an elementary student that they are great, the latter tends to develop that mentality and seek achievement in all that they do (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). The last source of influence is the physiological and emotional state where someone’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being might have an effect on how they feel about their capabilities in a given situation. For example, it may be harder to maintain the right level of wellness if one is dealing with anxiety (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). It is not feasible to develop self-efficacy in spite of such a challenge but feeling healthy makes it easier to increase self-efficacy.

Excessive Appetites Theory of Addiction and Application to Development, Maintenance, and Treatment of Addiction

The excessive appetite theory assumes a complex model with numerous interacting determinants, especially socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural factors that can provide more or fewer opportunities to indulge. In addition, it assumes multiple and varying personal functions may be served self-expression, identity protection, and mood modification (Saris, 2021). As behavior may change over time, a longitudinal view is more effective for comprehending this complexity than a simple snapshot (Saris, 2021). The major pattern of this model includes multiple social and personal determinants resulting in emotional-cognitive-behavioral attachment, strong addictive attachment, the decision to change, and change and recovery.

There is a variety of human appetites for consumption of some sort. Core-group appetites include gambling, alcohol, sex, and drug-taking (Matweychuk et al., 2019). As the addiction develops, the thinking and acting of a person change as well, both dealing with as well as increasing the complexity of the condition (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Decisions are made through a breakdown of choices into several parts. In excessive appetites, the procedure of increasing attachment results in generalization instead of discrimination. Secondary emotional cycles, as well as processes, develop to deal with the adverse effects of the addiction, such as the gambler’s increasing bets to try and recover losses and the alcoholic’s hiding of bottles. There are various costs that may fail to be clear to the addict unless they are detached, including social, financial, and physical losses.

Although there is treatment for addiction, there are many paths to recovery. Relapsing is common; thus, the process could take some time (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Commonly employed therapeutic modalities consist of psychotherapy, pharmaceuticals, self-help, support groups, and hospitalization. With regard to psychotherapy, in order to address thinking as well as behavior patterns that cause addictions, cognitive behavioral therapy may be employed (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Other types of therapies that one can use include family therapy, group therapy, and contingency management.

In addition, pharmaceuticals might comprise drugs to assist with the desire and withdrawal symptoms and other medications to treat underlying psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Examples consist of buprenorphine, methadone, nicotine replacement therapy, and naltrexone (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Occasionally, individuals who are detoxing from a drug require admission to the hospital to receive treatment for potentially life-threatening issues as people discover novel ways of coping while recovering; online and offline support groups are excellent sources of information and support.

Reflection on Fit between Theories and Person beliefs, Values, and Life Philosophy

A greater sense of self-efficacy is usually produced through teaching tactics that promote exploring and mastering over memorizing. Similarly, children who have parents or guardians who set clear boundaries and show them much love are more likely to be self-sufficient (Saltzman et al., 2018). In order to regulate excessive hunger, it may as well be highly beneficial to maintain proper sleeping patterns, eating habits, and lifestyle (Saltzman et al., 2018). It is important for individuals to note any habit problems they are experiencing and the frequency and timing of the occurrences.

Psychological Theories

Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Impact on Development, Maintenance, and Treatment

The relationship between a person’s thoughts acts as well as emotions are evaluated or explained by the cognitive behavioral theory. This concept is applied as a therapeutic approach for those with psychological health problems. The ideology claims that individuals’ views with regard to events have an effect on their conduct and emotions. Due to that, those who possess negative ideas and perceptions become sad, which may result in further issues. The strategy emphasizes helping people to change their thinking by making them aware of themselves. This is accomplished by offering them the tools to enable them to alter their cognitive and behavioral habits.

From a trainee to a professional in organizations, cognitive behavioral therapy has become the predominant form of treatment. This therapy approach is about analyzing as well as testing individuals’ standpoints on different issues. It turns the viewpoints into more positive ones and encourages them to attempt new ways. It has been revealed to be what is particularly needed in helping people to understand themselves by evaluating how their unique perceptions and thoughts have trapped them in their current situations.

The approach prioritizes the utilization of positivity above anything else. Positive thinking enables people to conquer obstacles or hindrances (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). For the sake of better health and happier living, it is critical that every person promotes positivity to others and integrates it into their lives. This notion discusses the way the power of positive thinking alone may improve someone’s health and situation (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). Much can change in personal lives and the whole world if individuals stop worrying about how they are viewed by others in terms of their home circumstances.

Attachment Theory and Impact on Development, Maintenance, and Treatment

The focus of this theory is the significance of attachment for human growth. It specifically asserts that a person’s capacity to build an emotional and physical connection with another person provides the stability and security needed to take chances and develop. He was the first to use the term attachment, and his work in the late 1950s and early 1960s served as the foundation for attachment theory (Sutton, 2019). Among the fundamental principles of the concept is that a child’s capacity to create a close bond with one or more primary caregivers is crucial to their ability to develop normally.

When a newborn is removed from their primary caregiver, they exhibit certain emotions. The infants undergo three stages of separation anxiety, including protest, despair, and detachment. Prolonged or extended separation causes the infant to become emotionally disconnected from individuals, including the caregiver (Sutton, 2019). The ability to create bonds in children with reactive attachment disorder is thought to exist, but it has been constrained by their early developmental experiences. The majority of children are tenacious by nature, which means even individuals who have experienced neglect, who resided in a children’s home or another type of institution, can establish wholesome connections. Early intervention seems to better the outcomes, as suggested by Sutton (2019). Reactive attachment disorder does not have a standard therapy despite the need to involve the child’s parents or other major caregivers.

Reflection on How Cognitive Behavioral and Attachment Theories Fit Personal Beliefs and Values

The two theories raise awareness concerning reactive attachment disorder in my personal life and family too. They encourage someone to inquire about the resources from the physician or mental health specialist for a child. If the latter has experience with foster care or other institutions, the concepts highlight the importance of asking for educational materials through proper social service organizations (Sutton, 2019). Through this, it ensures that society is in the right state (Sutton, 2019). Based on the theories, it is important to delegate work or find someone who occasionally allows one a break. This plays a major role in managing or dealing with stress. Exercising after studying could help to prevent overload. Additionally, it is beneficial to spare time for oneself, which can be used in developing a hobby.

Conclusion

The paper has discussed the theories of addiction and approaches to the treatment of substance use disorders and integrates the information into a statement of theoretical orientation. For instance, it demonstrates how the self-efficacy theory explains that people’s beliefs in their ability to achieve desired results through action are the most important predictors of the behaviors they engage in. This influences how much effort someone invests or how persistent they are in the face of challenges.

References

Ainslie, G., & Haslam, N. (1992). Self-control. Choice over time, 177, 209. Web.

Berte, D. Z., Mahamid, F. A., & Affouneh, S. (2021). Internet addiction and perceived self-efficacy among university students. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 19(1), 162-176. Web.

Kazantzis, N., & Miller, A. R. (2022). A comprehensive model of homework in cognitive behavior therapy. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 46(1), 247-257. Web.

Matweychuk, W., DiGiuseppe, R., & Gulyayeva, O. (2019). A comparison of REBT with other cognitive behavior therapies. In Advances in REBT (pp. 47-77). Springer, Cham. Web.

Saltzman, J. A., Fiese, B. H., Bost, K. K., & McBride, B. A. (2018). Development of appetite self‐regulation: integrating perspectives from attachment and family systems theory. Child Development Perspectives, 12(1), 51–57. Web.

Saris, A. J. (2021). Growing Appetites and Hungry Subjects: Addicts, the Undead, and the Long Arc of Theory in Western Social Science. Ethnologia Actualis, 21(1), 102-133. Web.

Sutton, T. E. (2019). Review of attachment theory: Familial predictors, continuity and change, and intrapersonal and relational outcomes. Marriage & Family Review, 55(1), 1–22. Web.

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