Life-process model of addiction

The life-process model of addiction is the view that addiction is not a disease but rather a habitual response and a source of gratification and security that can be understood only in the context of social relationships and experiences.

This model of addiction is in direct opposition to the disease model of addiction. The proponents of the life-process model argue that the biological mechanisms that might account for addictive behavior have not been identified and thus do not support using the term disease, preferring to emphasize the individual's ability to overcome addiction by repairing relationships and personal strength of will. Critics of the life-process model emphasize that the lack of ability to identify specific disease mechanisms does not negate the characteristic disease course, morbidity, or mortality observed with addiction, thereby causing the condition to meet all the requirements for the term disease.

Notable supporters

 * Stanton Peele
 * Chris Prentiss
 * Thomas Szasz
 * John Booth Davies

Relevant Books

 * The Myth of Addiction John Booth Davies (Routledge, 1997) ISBN 978-9057022463
 * A Critique of Nicotine Addiction by Hanan Frenk and Reuven Dar (Springer, 2000) ISBN 0792372255
 * Problem Drinking Nick Heather and Ian Robertson (Oxford University Press, 1997) ISBN 0192628615
 * The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure by Chris Prentiss (Power Press, 2007) ISBN 0943015448
 * Addiction is a Choice by Jeffrey Schaler (Open Court, 1999) ISBN 0-8126-9404-X