1. Etiological Theories of Substance
Abuse - Characteristics
Thomas Gouard

2. Moral Theory
Alcoholism and drug abuse are caused by lack of
willpower or moral degradation.
Willpower, motivation, and determination are
sufficient to overcome addictions.
The predominant theory of alcoholism and substance
abuse through history until the 1930's
More recently, alcoholism is viewed as an
accumulation of choices that include one's definition
of oneself and one's willingness to accept
responsibilties

3. Disease Theory
Substance abuse is a disease, with signs, symptoms,
and disease progression.
As a disease, substance abuse can be treated
Afflicted individual has sole responsibility for the
solution

4. Genetic Theory
Looks for biological reasons for occurrence of
substance abuse through intergenerational studies,
twin-studies, adoption studies, and a search for
genetic markers.
Suggest a predisposition for substance abuse can be
inherited

5. Behavioral Theory
Addictions are learned, socially acquired behaviors with multiple
causes
Substance abuse is influenced by biological makeup, cognitive
processes, past learning, situational antecedents, and
reinforcement contingencies
Behavioral and learning factors are applied in both determining
the cause of substance abuse and it's treatment
Social learning theory and stress response dampening are
behavioral explanations for development of substance abuse
Behavioral factors such as behavioural sequences, situational
contingencies, and stressors are analyzed to ascertain the cause
of substance abuse

6. Sociocultural Theory
Environmental and social pressures contribute to the
development of substance abuse
Multiple social pressures such as unemployment, single-
parent families, and poverty foster the development of
substance abuse
Societal attitudes toward alcohol and drugs contribute to
their use or non use
Family and peer attitudes toward substance abuse
influence their usage
Peer clusters have great influence over adolescent
attitudes toward substance usage

7. Theory Integration
Substance abuse results from the interaction of
predisposing factors, sociological factors, and
psychological factors
Substance abusers are seen within the larger context
encompassing all known influences for development
of substance abuse