STAGE 4. Selecting the theoretical approach

What steps should be completed?

Step 1: Select the theoretical approach or approaches on which the intervention will be based

BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL

What are its bases?

This model (approach) considers drug dependence to be a phenomenon with a multifactorial origin and a multidimensional effect, resulting from the interaction at a particular moment in time of biological or genetic, psychological, social and cultural factors that have a different effect on each subject.

The Biopsychosocial Model emphasises the importance of promoting individual and social responsibility to maintain health, understanding this as a process of continuous physical, psychological and social development.

Practical implications

According to this model (approach), all factors that affect substance dependence and continuing or overcoming it should be manipulated in an interdisciplinary approach with multidisciplinary teams.

The factors that cause the addiction will have a varying influence and weight in each individual, so treatments should be personalised to respond to each person’s specific needs.

Three basic factors are involved in drug addiction, and these should be taken into consideration throughout treatment and during the different stages of treatment: the person, the substance and the environment. Therefore, drug addiction interventions that focus on the substance (such as detoxification, orientated towards cessation of drug use) should be accompanied by support for the person’s health, social and psychological problems.

 

Reference:

Engel GL. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science. 196 (4286): 129-136.