The Disease Model

The disease model is the central premise for Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups that have aided in the recovery of millions of people. This model elicits a great deal of controversy, however.

In this Discussion, you will reflect on the debate centering on the disease model and develop your position about whether you believe it to be a valid model.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the Web article, "Alcoholics Anonymous and the Disease Concept of Alcoholism." Reflect on the Alcoholics Anonymous position on the disease model

• Consider the validity of the points made in each of the Learning Resources concerning the disease model of addiction. Analyze and evaluate these points.

• Reflect on your own position regarding the disease model of addiction and how the evidence in the Learning Resources supports or challenges it.

With these thoughts in mind:

Application 1

your analysis and evaluation of the validity of the disease model of addiction. Support your evaluation with specific examples and evidence from the Learning Resources.

Note: Be sure to protect the identity of any individuals you describe in your post.

Application 2

Counseling Models and Theories

In all areas of counseling, the integration of counseling theory with client work provides an important foundation for treatment. Substance abuse counseling is no exception.

For this Application assignment, you will apply two different models and/or theories to a case study and compare their strengths and weaknesses in relation to the case.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Review this week's Learning Resources, focusing on the various theories and models presented.

• Reflect on the theories and models presented as they apply to substance abuse counseling.

• Review the following case study (Jack)Jack. (see below)

• Select two counseling models and/or theories from the Learning Resources to apply to the case study.

• Think about how each model and/or theory you selected might be applied to the case study.

• Identify which of the two models and/or theories you would be more likely to use with this case and consider why.

The assignment: (1-2 pages)

• Briefly summarize each of the models and/or theories you selected.

• Explain why you selected each model and/or theory.

• Briefly explain how each of the two models and/or theories you selected applies to the case study and how each might address the issues presented in the case from a counseling standpoint.

• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each of the two models and/or theories you selected.

• Identify which of the two models and/or theories you would be more likely to use with this case and explain why.

Substance Abuse Counseling

• Jack

• Jack is a 64-year-old heterosexual-identified Euro-American male who comes to your agency at the insistence of his wife, Betty. According to Jack, "Betty won't quit yelling at me to quit my drinking. The way I see it, I have earned my right to drink!"

• Jack is wheelchair-bound because his legs were amputated above the knees. You learn that he lost his legs when he stepped on a land mine in Vietnam in 1971, as a soldier in the Vietnam War. According to Jack, "You know what I got for a homecoming? Everyone talking about that ‘unjust war.' ‘Unjust!' You know what's unjust? I was drafted!"

• Following his return from Vietnam, Jack began drinking heavily. As he explains it, "It's true, I am mad as a wet cat-and if a nice single malt scotch helps me make it through the day, then Betty has to deal with it! I lost my legs in 'Nam-she didn't!"
 
• You learn in your work that Jack has recently shown signs of liver problems, and that his doctor insists he stop drinking. Jack's refusal to do so appears to be why Betty insists he seek counseling.

Resources

Readings

• Book Excerpt: Miller, G. (2005). Learning the language of addiction counseling (2nd ed., chap. 2, pp. 16-31). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Click here to download the book excerpt.

• Go to current classes then click on go to classroom

• Go to the right where it says summer 2017 click on substance abuse course

• Article: Kurtz, E. (2002) Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 20(3/4), 5-39. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Article: Larkin, M., Wood, R. T. A., & Griffiths, M. D. (2006). Towards addiction as relationship. Addiction Research & Theory, 14(3), 207-215.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.