What is the moral model's viewpoint on addiction?

The moral model of addiction posits that substance use disorders arise from a person's moral failings and weaknesses in character. This perspective suggests that individuals with addiction lack self-control or have made poor choices, holding them accountable for their actions. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the notion that individuals can overcome their struggles through willpower and moral rectitude.

This viewpoint contrasts sharply with more contemporary models of addiction, which recognize the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors involved in substance use disorders. For example, the disease model focuses on the biochemical processes and genetic predispositions, while the social model considers the impact of environmental and socio-economic conditions on addiction. In this context, the moral model can be seen as overly simplistic and potentially stigmatizing, as it places blame squarely on the individual rather than acknowledging the myriad factors that contribute to addiction.