The document outlines several theories of dependency and substance use: - The moral theory views dependency as a character flaw or weakness. - The temperance theory states that exposure to addictive substances causes dependence, so they should be banned. - The disease theory treats dependence as an inherited, incurable disease requiring abstinence. - The social learning theory proposes that substance use is learned through social models like family and media.

2. The Moral
Theory
The moral theory states that
dependencies are the result of
human weakness, and are
defects of character.
The moral theory has been, and
still is widely applied to
dependency, however there is no
real evidence to support it.

3. The Temperance Theory
The temperance theory is related to the moral theory.
This perspective began with the prohibition movement
in the late 19th century. According to the temperance
theory, dependence is caused by the mere exposure to
addictive substances (or activities) so those
substances should be illegal and access made as
difficult as possible.
Although temperance societies have faded away, this
basic idea still drives many of the policies and laws
applied to some substances.

4. The Disease
Theory
The disease theory is based on a
medical model and states that
dependence is an incurable
disease.
People who are dependent
inherited the disease from their
parents and are powerless to
change it without intervention.
This model is the foundation of
Alcoholics Anonymous and other
groups that promote an
abstinence-only approach.

5. The Spiritual
Theory
The spiritual theory states that
people use substances and
become dependent because they
feel lost or alone because they
have become disconnected with
a Higher Power.
In other words, people that feel
empty, alone, or disconnected
use substances to fill that
emptiness.

6. The Symptomatic Theory
The symptomatic theory is also related to medical
models. This theory states that dependence is caused
by mental illnesses like depression, neurosis or anxiety.
This theory has never been proven, however it is
widely accepted that substance use can trigger some
mental illnesses and that many people use substances
to self-medicate, manage, or reduce the symptoms of
mental illness.

7. The Sociological
Theory
The sociological theory states
that people use substances as a
way to cope with poverty,
discrimination, and family
problems.
Use is seen as an escape from
social issues that seem
inescapable.

8. The Chemical
Dependence
Theory
Chemical dependence theory
states that people become
dependent because they have a
chemical imbalance in their brain.
Once they use a substance they
become dependent because this
imbalance makes them desire
and react more strongly to some
substances.

9. The Social
Learning Theory
The social learning theory states
that substance use and
dependence is a learned
behaviour.
Family, friends, and the media
have modeled substance use as a
way to cope with life, have fun,
or reduce stress.

10. The Craving Brain Theory
Dr. Ronald Ruden developed
a theory asserting that
dependence is the result of a
complex chain reaction that
originates in an ancient
survival mechanism in the
brain.
When this system is
inappropriately activated, it
drives the body to crave,
sometimes resulting in
dependence.
https://youtu.be/K3gfzfqEre0

11. What’s Your Theory?
Many of these theories overlap and build on other
theories.
Many of these theories have proven to be true in some
circumstances, with some people, some of the time.
While others, like the moral theory, have never been
proven.