SW1023 INTEGRATIVE SOCIAL WORK AND ADDICTION STUDIES Discuss…

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE 2 CLASSMATES POST BELOW. MUST BE ORIGINAL AND SOURCES MUST BE CITED IN APA FORMAT.

(CLASSMATE 1)

One theoretical framework that integrates empirical evidence on addiction etiology and recovery using the naturenurture paradigm is the biopsychosocial model of addiction. This model explains addiction as the result of interactions among biological (nature), psychological, and social/environmental (nurture) factors. Biological components include genetic vulnerability and neurobiological changes in brain reward and stress systems caused by repeated opioid exposure. Psychological and social factors include trauma, mental health comorbidities, family dynamics, socioeconomic stress, and substance availability, all of which influence addiction risk and recovery outcomes.

The biopsychosocial model is especially relevant to the opioid epidemic because it supports integrated, public healthoriented responses such as medication-assisted treatment combined with psychosocial support. It also helps reduce stigma by framing addiction as a complex health condition rather than a moral failing. However, a limitation of the model is its broad scope, which can make it difficult to identify the most influential factors for individual patients (Green et al., 2021). Despite this, it remains a widely accepted and comprehensive framework for understanding addiction through a naturenurture lens.

References

Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129136.

Green, T. C., Clarke, J., Brinkley-Rubinstein, L., Marshall, B. D. L., Alexander-Scott, N., Boss, R., & Rich, J. D. (2021). Post incarceration fatal overdoses after implementing medications for addiction treatment in a statewide correctional system. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(4), 405407.

(CLASSMATE 2)

Reply from Sophia Medinsky

Greens Integrated Model highlights the complexity of addiction, arguing that addiction is a combination of biology, psychology, and social environment. Greens integrated model changed the way researchers view addiction by moving away from the old genes-versus-environment debate. In her article, Green argues that these two forces work together to create an addiction. For example, a person might be born with genetic sensitivity to alcohol or drugs but only develops an addiction if there is a stressful living situation, media exposure, or trauma (Green, 2021). Additionally, Green notes that our environment can alter how our brains function. True recovery requires a whole person approach that fixes physical health, while also helping the person heal from emotional pain, change daily habits, and build a supportive environment (Green, 2021).

While Integrated Model is perfect in theory, it is challenging to implement. This theory requires clients to have a medical team, which may include a doctor, a psychologist, a teacher, nurse, a social worker, and a dietitian. I am part of such a team at my job, and our organization follows this model. Not only we have team meetings weekly, but each discipline provides classes for clients on different topics. We treat the whole person simultaneously and we are very lucky we are able to help people to fight addiction. We provide housing, education, employment, medical care, etc. However, smaller facilities dont have funding or staff to provide such services. Additionally, Integrated Model does not create standardized treatment protocol that works for all clients. Each plan has to be specifically tailored to the client and will work only for this individual. The absence of clearly defined phases within the model makes it difficult to establish standardized protocol. Another limitation is that this model is overwhelming for the patient, especially in the beginning phase. Imagine, you come to a doctors office to check out a dark spot on your skin. When you finally see the doctor, you are informed that the doctor will treat the whole person today and you will be seeing dentist, ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, and podiatrist. You would be overwhelmed and engulfed with emotions! This is exactly how our clients feel on their recovery journey.

References:

Alexander, B. K. (2001). The roots of addiction in a free market society. Vancouver: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (course reading packet).

Green, KE, Blue JR, Natal SN. An Integrated Model of Nature and Nurture Factors that Contribute to Addiction and Recovery. Subst Use Misuse. 2021;56(8): 1095-1107. doi: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1901929 Epub 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 33870829.

Goldkind, L., & Wolf, L. (2015). A digital environment approach: Four technologies that will disrupt social work practice. Social Work, 60(1), 85-87.

Nawi, A.M., Ismail, R., Ibrahim, F., Hassan, M.R., Manaf, M.R.A., Amit, N., Ibrahim, N., & Shafurdin, N.S. (2021). Risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents: A systematic review, BMC Public Health, 21. https://doi.org10.1186/s12889-021-11906-2