Addiction Psychology

What Is Addiction Psychology Treatment?

When we talk about addiction psychology, we’re talking about the clinical and abnormal psychology of an addiction. We’re looking at the application of the information we obtain from the individual seeking addiction treatment, in order to appropriately diagnose, evaluate and subsequently treat and support those with an addiction.

During the treatment process, our addiction psychologists will help promote certain behaviours that will benefit wellness in both an emotional and physical sense while discouraging behaviours that do the opposite. In order to do this appropriately, we must first get to the root of the addiction and it’s reason for existing.

Is Addiction A Disease Or A Choice?

The basis of addiction however can be a rather controversial one as many ask the question, is it a disease or a poor choice on the behalf of the addict. Researchers who lean toward something know as ‘The Disease Model’ will argue that addiction is a process, much like disease in that there is a target organ, a defect of some description and symptoms of said disease.

Those who lean toward something known as ‘The Choice Model’ however, will argue the addiction is a disorder of genes, reward, memory, stress and lastly choice. Regardless of what model you lean toward, one thing is certain and it’s that both result in compulsive ‘addictive’ behaviour.