Running head: Models of Addiction 1
The three broad models of addiction are biological, psychological, and social (bio,
psycho, social). Within each of these components are more categorical theories and hypothesis.
Addiction is a very complex issue and as such these different categorical theories try to assess
where addiction comes from and why it occurs. To the general public the two most accepted
models are the moral model and disease models. The moral model refers to addiction as a choice
and individuals are responsible for their choices. The disease model refers to addiction being a
disease rooted in heredity and physiology; the addict bears not responsibility for their addiction.
Dowieko and Evans describe the bio, psycho, and social constructs as not intending to be
