How Addictions Develop and Addicted People Recover - Essay Example

Supporters of the moral model of addiction feel that drug abuse is a crime that should be heavily punishable as the individual who chooses to do drugs, does so by his own free will (Rose, 2010).

According to the disease model of addiction, drug addiction can be seen as a progressive disease that is irreversible and unique. The supporters of this model can seem to be of the view that addiction and alcoholism are some things that cannot be cured. However, they do argue that a limit can be placed on such activities by making the addict stay away from the drug or substance that he is addicted to.

The psychological model of addiction on the other hand argues that being dependent on drugs and other substances comes from having abnormalities or certain negative characteristics like the addict himself. Supporters of this view argue that such druggies are owners of what is referred to as an “addictive personality”, having no control over their wishes and their personality, having extremely low self-esteem, and being unable to cope with tension and stress (Society for the Study of Addiction to Alcohol and Other Drugs, 1993).