Social Models of Alcohol Addiction

The Social Models of Alcohol Addiction

Kristina Friend

Psyc 2300 – Intro to Addiction Theories

The Social Models

Capella University

March, 2015

 Introduction

         Connor Gannon is a 45-year old male with a history of alcohol abuse, who began drinking in his teens and increased his alcohol use after his enlistment in the military.  During his military career Connor experienced episodes of extreme alcohol abuse, but nothing that adversely affected his performance.  Currently, Connor is working in construction and while he has not been disciplined for poor work performance, his alcohol use has negatively affected his work.  Conner’s father and older brother also abuse alcohol and Connor enjoys spending time and drinking with them; in fact, almost every social situation that he participates in involves alcohol.  Connor’s drinking is particularly excessive when socializing with his co-workers.  While Connor’s drinking is generally excessive, he does not perceive himself as an alcoholic.  Connor has been court-ordered to undergo treatment for his alcohol abuse after his second DUI conviction, which resulted from a severe accident where his victims suffered serious injuries.  

Application of Social Models

         The sociocultural approach maintains that substance abuse issues are the direct result of a lifetime socialization process in settings that both encourage and support use (Barrows, 1998).  Further, the approach also maintains that proper treatment involves both the addict and his or her social and physical environment.  Connor continually puts himself into situations where alcohol consumption is not only expected, but also encouraged.  Admittedly, almost all of his social interactions involve some sort of alcohol use and during particular interactions, the alcohol use is excessive.  Connor does not believe he had a drinking problem and has been court ordered to undergo treatment for his alcohol addiction.

Family

        It is believed that the relationship of the addicted individual to the wider social world can best be described as a series of concentric circles (Barrows, 1998).  In the center is the addicted individual and immediately surrounding the addict are those closest to them such as family and very close friends; this group usually has the greatest influence on the addict.  As the circles gradually work away from the addict, the relationships get weaker but there is still some amount of impact on the addicted individual.  Connor has stated that he enjoys spending time with both his father and older brother; unfortunately, that time is spent drinking with two family members who also have an alcohol addiction.  Connor also spends a significant amount of time with his co-workers, and that his drinking is generally excessive at those times.  It is quite clear that Connor surrounds himself with people who both encourage his drinking as well as expect it.