Addiction Psychology

What is addiction psychology?

Addiction psychology focuses on understanding the psychological aspects of addiction, including the reasons behind addictive behaviours and how to treat them. 

This discipline examines how biological, psychological and social factors contribute to substance abuse and addiction with one of the main aims being to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. There’s also a strong focus on helping individuals overcome addiction and maintain long-term recovery rather than only focusing on the theoretical side of the discipline. 

Addiction psychologists work to identify underlying issues, provide therapy and support clients in building healthier lives. Their goal is to reduce the impact of addiction on individuals and society.

How has addiction psychology changed over the years?

As society has evolved, so have our thoughts and approaches toward various issues, including addiction psychology. Below, we take a brief look at how addiction was viewed and treated throughout history:

18th and 19th centuries

• Moral model: The temperance movement in the 19th century saw addiction, particularly to alcohol, as a moral failing. “Dipsomania” was a term used to describe uncontrollable cravings for alcohol and those afflicted were often seen as lacking willpower.
• Medicalisation begins: The concept of addiction as a disease started to emerge. Benjamin Rush, a founding father of the United States, argued that alcoholism was a disease needing medical treatment, not just moral reform.

20th century

Early 1900s

• Psychoanalytic theories: Sigmund Freud and his followers suggested that addiction stemmed from unresolved unconscious conflicts. For example, Freud believed that addiction was a substitute for unmet sexual desires.

Mid-20th century

• Behavioural approaches: B.F. Skinner’s work on operant conditioning led to the idea that addiction could be understood and treated as a learned behaviour. This shifted the focus from moral and psychoanalytic explanations to observable behaviours.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Founded in 1935, AA introduced the 12-step programme, which combined spiritual and psychological elements. It emphasised the need for personal transformation and community support.

Late 20th century 

1970s – 1980s

• Biopsychosocial model: This model integrated biological, psychological and social factors, offering a more comprehensive understanding of addiction. Researchers began exploring genetic predispositions and the impact of environment and personal experiences.

1990s

• Neurobiological advances: Advances in brain imaging technology allowed scientists to study the brain’s role in addiction more closely. It became clear that addiction involved changes in brain chemistry and structure, particularly in the reward pathways.

Addiction psychology in the present day

The view of addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease has become widely accepted, emphasising the importance of long-term management and treatment rather than seeking a one-time cure. Also, modern treatment often incorporates a variety of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

The focus, in the modern day, is on treating the whole person and addressing mental health, physical health, and social factors to ensure a comprehensive approach to recovery. With this comes a mandatory focus on all brain, body and behaviour elements. 

Below, we have listed some of the main areas that addiction psychology focuses on in order to achieve a comprehensive approach to recovery:

How have advances in addiction psychology influenced addiction rehab programmes?

Advances in addiction psychology have significantly influenced addiction rehab programmes, leading to more effective and personalised treatment approaches. Here are some key ways these advances have shaped rehab programmes:

What’s next?

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, now is the time to seek help. UK-based rehab centres offer comprehensive support tailored to your needs, including medical detox, therapy and aftercare. These facilities provide a safe and nurturing environment to help you regain control and start your journey towards recovery. Don’t wait – reach out today and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter future.