Comparison of Model Paper

Comparison of Model Paper

Melanie Smith

PCN 501

Grand Canyon University

Kenneth Hall

June 17, 2013

This comparison model paper is designed to look at both a psychological and neurobiological approach to addictions. Each model is designed to look at how a person can become or recover from addiction, and what are the underlying factors that cause the addiction.

Learning Model

The learning model dates back to Pavlov and Skinner, with a take on classical conditioning, and operant conditioning. Research shows that that with the use of psychoactive drugs produces a variety of learned behaviors (O'Brien, Childress, & McLellean, Ehrman, 1992).

Clinical studies have shown that in "cocaine addicts produced evidence that outcome can be improved by a passive extinction technique over an 8 week outpatient treatment program" (O'Brien, Childress, & McLellean, Ehrman, 1992).

Condition cravings are physiological conditions that are of concern for addictions and relapse. The ability to use the learning model with addiction is a way to teach the addict new behavior. Learning how to control triggers, behavior and social interaction are part of the learning model. The learning model shows that learning can be unlearned (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2012).

Neurobiological Model

The neurobiological model is looking at how the neural functioning of neurons and neurotransmitters shape and affect the behavior of a person. Almost all addictive drugs seem to affect the primary target in the brain (Capuzzi, Stauffer, 2012). The human brain associates cravings with a sense of pleasure. In some cases medication can be used to help turn off the pleasure receptors in the brain.

Neurobiological mechanisms show an underlying link to a person's stress, and addiction process (Brewer, Elwafi, & Davis, 2012). According to Brewer (2012) the study done to show a trigger to cigarette smoking, and the use of drugs and alcohol, and the neurotransmitters in the brain are affected. The Crave to Quit approach is mindfulness training and how it can help smokers quit. Mindfulness is the use of teaching people to become more aware of his or her self. Mindfulness is the ability to use the brain and pay more attention to what is causing the craving.

Brewer (2012) uses the posterior cingulate cortex, is activated by cravings and how it quiets when the craving leaves. The success rate of people whom used the mindfulness training to stop smoking was during a four-week study showed, 88 smokers with an average age of 46, smoking a pack a day, used either mindfulness training