The document outlines various theories of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, including moral, disease, learning, and sociocultural theories. It emphasizes that addiction can stem from physiological deficits, learned behaviors, and cognitive distortions, leading to negative emotional states. The importance of concurrent treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders is highlighted to prevent relapse and address underlying mental health issues.

1. Theories of Addiction and Co-Occurring DisordersDr. Dawn-Elise Snipes Ph.D., LMHC, CRC, NCCExecutive Director, AllCEUs.com

2. Describe the following theories of addictionMoral TheoryDisease TheoryLearning and Behavioral TheorySociocultural TheoriesDescribe the theories of mental disordersCognitive BehavioralBiological and GeneticLearning TheoryCo-Occurring DisordersLearner Objectives

3. Addiction Theories

4. Addiction is the result of moral weaknessAssociated character traits/defects include:GluttonySlothEnvyPrideAngerRecovery is achieved through the use of willpower and discipline, and the development of a virtuous lifestyle Moral Theory

5. Addiction is caused by a physiological deficit making the person unable to tolerate the drugDiseases are incurable, progressive and fatal if left untreatedDisease Theory

6. Addiction is learned both through observation/vicarious reinforcement and direct experiencesPeople learn through observation that addictive behaviors can be used to:Cope with stress, depression, anxiety or angerFeel more relaxed and sociableEscape from painPeople who find relief in a pleasurable behavior are more likely to engage in that behavior again.Learning and Behavioral Theory

7. Sociocultural theories expand upon learning theoryInitiation of addictive behaviors is supported in influences in:The environmentMediaSocial circles (Peer pressure)Sociocultural Theories

8. Mental Health Theories

9. Irrational thoughts and cognitive distortions can lead to negative emotions and reactionsOver time people “learn” or “acquire” certain thinking patternsWhen problems arise, these negative thought patterns can lead to a negative emotional reaction (anxiety, stress, anger, depression)Cognitive Behavioral

10. Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as GABA, norepinepherine and serotonin can lead to negative emotional statesIt is thought that some mental health disorders are passed on through geneticsAdditionally poor nutrition, unsafe environments and lack of adequate rest can lead to similar neurochemical imbalancesBiological and Genetic

11. Depression, anxiety and anger are often related to cognitive distortions and thinking errorsChildren learn through observation and direct experience how to think about and react to certain situations.When children are exposed to people who display cognitive distortions, then they acquire those same dysfunctional ways of reacting.Learning Theory

12. In American society most people with addictions have a concurrent mental health disorderThe Mental health disorder may have come first, and the person may be self-medicating with the addictionThe addiction may have come first and causedNeurochemical changes leading to depression and anxietyChanges in the social support and environment of the person leading to reactive depression, anxiety and/or angerCo-Occurring Disorders

13. There are a variety of explanations of where an addiction comes fromMost people with addictions also have mental health issuesCo-occurring disorders must be treated concurrently otherwise you haveA depressed clean person who is likely to use again to make the negative feelings stopAn addict who is regularly disrupting his biopsychosocial environment causing stress and depressionSummary