Psychology Studies of Addiction: Cognitive Theory and Behavioral Theory
Addiction is a common focus of psychology studies, as substance abuse and psychological function are related on many levels. Alcohol addiction in particular brings about many issues since it is more socially acceptable and easily available than other drugs. Cognitive Theory and therapy options have recently proved effective in explaining and treating alcohol addiction. Cognitive theory is related to behavioral theory and often uses similar means during treatment. Cognitive theory differs, however, from 12-step Theory that suggests that alcoholism is an incurable disease.Cognitive Theory addresses alcohol addiction and other substance addiction in terms of both neuroscience and psychology. Tools including human brain imaging, drug intervention trials, and cognitive testing are used to pinpoint the reasons behind addictive behavior (Li, 2003). Li (2003) explains that the link between brain function and addiction occurs in the frontal lobes of the brain. There, the confluence of pleasure-related chemical receptors become accustomed to the flooding of pleasure associat
Identifying other social and psychological issues that may have gone unaddressed also allows for treatment. Behavioral and Cognitive therapy options differ from 12-step theory in many of the primary treatment goals and even the basis of treatment options. Cilente (2003) points out that the advantage of such therapy is that it treats both the addiction problem and the underlying mental health issues that often contribute to long-term abuse. Since recent research has illuminated how addiction works in the body and brain, cognitive and behavioral therapies may offer help that group meetings and disease coping alone cannot (Wood et al. The reason cognitive therapy works is that it addresses both the physical and psychological factors of addiction (Wood, Wood, & Boyd, 2005). Li (2003) suggests that a combination of behavioral and cognitive therapy offers the possibility of a "cure" for addiction. Cilente (2003) suggests identifying the underlying reasoning why substance use occurs, including the frequent causation related to self-medication for depression or other disorders with alcohol and drugs. Treatment options include complete abstinence from the substance and peer groups that provide psychological and moral support (Wood et al. While cognitive therapies are only in the beginning stages, Cognitive Theory does well to establish the relationship between psychological and physical addiction in the brain. Like Cognitive Theory, behavior modification therapy can assist addicts in "reprogramming" their brains by consciously responding or avoiding cued brain behavior (Wood et al. Many cognitive therapy methods are already used to treat addiction. This can allow researchers to identify what drug and medical treatments may assist an individual in resisting the urges associated with alcohol addiction (Cilente, 2003). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs address alcoholism as a disease that cannot be cured.
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