Beyond the Disease Concept of Addiction: Drug Use as a Way of Life Leading to Predicaments

Abstract

The origins, vicissitudes and limitations of the disease concept amd medical model of drug use are examined. It is proposed that the disease concept is a reaction to the moralism or neglect of previous times. However the concept omits the human element. ‘Way of life’—a model taking into account the interaction between drug, person and environment—is proposed, drug dependence being present when drug use, as a way of life, is given a high priority. Persons with drug dependence may find themselves in a ‘predicament’ and may need help to get their ways of life in balance again. Various implications of this proposed model are explored.