Many people struggle with engaging in risky behaviours and reducing their addiction. But what exactly determines these risky behaviours? What can practically be done to treat addiction? Can you think of any ways psychology can help to investigate addiction treatments? Several theories surround this topic, including theories of behaviour change and Prochaska's stages of change model.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenMany people struggle with engaging in risky behaviours and reducing their addiction. But what exactly determines these risky behaviours? What can practically be done to treat addiction? Can you think of any ways psychology can help to investigate addiction treatments? Several theories surround this topic, including theories of behaviour change and Prochaska's stages of change model.
Fig. 1 - Addiction treatment theories discuss various ways to treat addiction.
Addiction can be tackled in a multitude of ways. Psychological therapies attempt to treat addiction b addressing the emotional and mental factors related to addiction. We will discuss three main models behind addiction treatment theory: the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the six stages of change model, developed by Prochaska.
The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) from Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) suggests that a person's attitude and subjective norms toward a particular way of behaving influence that individual's intention to act that way. The intention is thought to be the main driver towards carrying out a specific behaviour.
Intention is the functional determination to act on something. TRA suggests a person's attitude and subjective norms influences intention.
People's attitude towards a particular behaviour can include their personal beliefs and opinions, plus the possible outcomes of behaving that way. If the outcome may be negative and paired with results that may go against social norms, then it can be predicted that this person will have no intent to behave this way.
This can also be said for positive attitudes and socially accepted behaviour about things that can become addictive.
Personal attitudes could change from focusing on the positive aspects of drug use, e.g., pleasure, to the negative aspects, e.g., loss of control, money, or friends. People often weigh the pros and cons of their addiction, and if the good outweighs the bad, they will most likely continue their behaviours.
Can you see how this theory may link to addiction? Suppose someone with a gambling addiction believes gambling is fun, perfectly legal, and, therefore, socially acceptable. In that case, it can be predicted that they will intend to continue gambling and not change their behaviour.
Ajzen's (1985, 1991) theory of planned behaviour (TPB) added a third aspect beyond attitude and subjective norms, known as perceived control of behaviour.
TPB still states that central to behaviour is intention. When applied to addiction, intention refers to a person's choice to give up their addiction, and any intentions can predict behaviour. TPB attempts to explain how we can change behaviours over which we have control (intentional behaviours).
According to TPB, intention arises from three critical influences:
The individual may begin to believe they can control their addiction and give up drugs. The more control they think they have, the stronger their intention to give up their addiction.
Prochaska and DiClemente (1983) developed a model after recognising the multiple and variable ways people overcome smoking addiction.The model recognises that overcoming addiction is not a linear process but an ever-changing solution. One may return to earlier stages several times before finally giving up the addiction.The model also recognises that the benefits of specific treatments vary depending on a person's stage of the model.The stages are as follows:
Overall, the stage model is not a finalised process. People can jump between stages and may relapse or may maintain their reduced behaviours.
Fig. 3 - Stages of addiction treatment can be challenging to navigate.
Some evaluations can be made of these theories on addiction treatment:
The theories of reasoned action, planned behaviour and the six-stage addiction model can help explain how to treat drug addiction. In theory, drug addiction treatment is most effective when combinations of drug therapy and cognitive or behavioural therapies (such as aversion therapy or CBT) are used.
Drug therapy helps combat the physical symptoms of treating substance addiction. Psychological therapies can help explore the individual's attitude and beliefs about subjective norms and then create changes to intentions and behaviour.
Support from a professional can be helpful when someone is at the preparation, action, maintenance or relapse stage of the six-stage model of drug addiction.
Attachment theory links to addiction treatment in that having an insecure or avoidant attachment type is a risk factor for developing an addiction, even with suggestions of attachment type and common substance use, such as heroin use frequently used by those with fearful-avoidant attachments.
This suggestion comes from a review of Schindler's (2019) research on the links between attachment type and substance use. The researcher suggested that having an insecure attachment type can complicate addiction treatments. This is due to difficulty building a trusting relationship with a professional/therapist and maintaining support during addiction treatment.
There is also an absorption addiction model that does not relate to substance use addiction but involves para-social relationships between a fan and a celebrity.
This behaviour will not result in a diagnosis of addiction but includes obsessive behaviour with a celebrity as a form of relief from everyday life, which can also be linked to having an insecure attachment type.
Three theories for treating addiction are covered: The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and Prochaska's six-stage model of behaviour change.
The theory of reasoned action suggests that behavioural intentions are based on attitude and subjective norms.
The theory of planned behaviour added a third aspect beyond attitude and subjective norms, known as perceived control of behaviour. TPB states that behaviour is based on intention influenced by personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control.
Prochaska's six-stage model states that behaviour change is not a linear process.
Prochaska's model includes pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination/relapse.
The theory of planned behaviour states that addiction can be overcome by setting an intention to change addictive behaviour. Meanwhile, Prochaska’s model says that recovering from addiction is a gradual process that can go back and forth between stages.
There are many psychological theories of addiction, mainly suggesting addiction is characterised by physical and psychological dependence, alongside the development of tolerance and subsequent withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Some of the best-known addiction treatment theories are Prochaska’s model of behaviour change and Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour.
The medical model of addiction states that addiction is a disease caused by changes in brain chemistry resulting in compulsive behaviour.
There are many models of addiction, the five main psychological disciplines they come from are biological, cognitive, behavioural, developmental and clinical.
The developmental theory of addiction suggests addiction is caused by early life experiences causing disruptions to development and being a risk factor for developing an addiction.
What is Prochaska’s model?
Prochaska’s model of behavioural change states that overcoming addiction is not a linear process but a changeable one that goes through multiple stages before termination. It goes from pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination/relapse.
What is the theory of planned behaviour?
Ajzen (1985, 1991) attempts to explain how we can change behaviours over which we have control (deliberate behaviours). This theory states that these behaviours can be predicted by our intention.
What are the three elements Ajzen states that influence intention?
Personal attitudes (a person’s view of their addiction), subjective norms (the individual’s belief about if their friends and family approve or disapprove of their addictive behaviour), perceived behavioural control (how much control we believe we have over our behaviour).
What are personal attitudes?
A person’s view of their addiction.
What are subjective norms?
The individual’s belief about if their friends and family approve or disapprove of their addictive behaviour.
What is perceived behavioural control?
How much control we believe we have over our behaviour.
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