Module 1 Discussion

Hi everyone!

My name is Zach (he/they), and I am currently on my last few courses to finish my BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling! I currently reside in Delaware with my partner, two dogs, and a cat. In my spare time, I am a drag queen, which is a creative outlet that I thoroughly enjoy.

When it comes to addiction, I view it as an impulsive need for something that serves as escapism from trauma, certain situations, thoughts, and other distressing experiences. Addiction isn’t something that people willingly engage in to ruin their lives or damage their well-being; rather, it is a sickness that often affects those who are predisposed to it generationally, or those who feel the need to use the addiction as a coping mechanism to manage day-to-day activities.

The 1960 Jellinek Model of disease is one of the foundational models in the study of addiction. It focuses on three stages of disease (crucial, constant, and rehabilitation) and how those stages represent the progression of addiction (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2019). For comparison, I chose the multi-causal model, which I find particularly relevant because it addresses multiple contributing factors to addiction. The multi-causal model explains the causes of addiction from various perspectives, including biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors. In contrast, the Jellinek Model primarily emphasizes the genetic and hereditary aspects of addiction. While the Jellinek Model laid the groundwork for many subsequent models, the multi-causal model offers a more comprehensive view by acknowledging that addiction is likely caused by a combination of factors rather than a single source.

Reference:

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2019). Foundations of Addictions Counseling (4th ed.). Pearson Education (US).