Introduction

 Our emphasis in this chapter centers around psychological theories. Generally, psychological models in our bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework address cognitive (thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, learning, knowledge) and affective (emotions, feelings) dimensions. Topics will include models related to cognition, information processing, learning, social learning, rational/planned behavior, developmental, psychodynamic, attachment, self-medication, personality, psychopathology, expectancies, and cravings theories. Much of what we examine regarding psychological processes directly relates to what we learned in Chapter 2 about the brain; it is virtually impossible to completely separate “mind” and “brain” functions. By the end of these readings, expect to have developed an appreciation for and understanding of the psychological basis of substance misuse and SUD, including how these theories might help inform prevention, treatment, and recovery-oriented intervention strategies.

Reading Objectives

After engaging with these reading materials and learning resources, you should be able to:

• Explain how cognition, information processing, learning, social learning, rational/planned behavior, developmental, psychodynamic, attachment, self-medication, personality, psychopathology, expectancies, and cravings model relate to substance misuse;
• Describe the relationship between brain-mind-behavior;
• Identify implications of these theories/models for treatment and recovery efforts.

*Note: Contents of this chapter both heavily influenced and were influenced by the contents of the Begun (in press) chapter listed in the references: Begun, A.L. (in press). Psychological models of addictive behavior. In A.L. Begun & M.M. Murray (Eds.), Handbook of social work and addictive behavior. London: Routledge.