What does the moral model of addiction primarily rely on?

The moral model of addiction primarily relies on beliefs about right and wrong. This model posits that addiction results from a lack of self-control, moral failing, or poor choices made by the individual. It views substance use as a voluntary behavior that can be attributed to a moral weakness or flawed character rather than external factors or biological predispositions.

This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability, implying that individuals have the power to choose to engage in or abstain from substance use. As such, treatment approaches that stem from the moral model often focus on changing attitudes, beliefs, and moral reasoning, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility and to encourage an ethical understanding of one’s actions.

In contrast, other models, such as the biological model or the environmental model, focus on different areas like genetic predispositions or social influences on behavior, respectively, which do not align with the moral framework. Therefore, when considering the foundations of the moral model, it is clear that it fundamentally rests on the notions of right and wrong.