Theories at both the intra- and interpersonal levels

Full Answer Section

         

• • Intrapersonal Level:
    • Self-efficacy: An individual's belief in their capacity to exert control over their own motivation, behavior, and social environment. In substance use, this relates to a person's belief in their ability to resist cravings, cope with triggers, or maintain abstinence.
    • Outcome Expectations: The anticipated consequences of a behavior. If an individual expects positive outcomes from substance use (e.g., stress reduction, social acceptance) and negative outcomes from abstinence (e.g., social isolation, discomfort), they are more likely to use.
  • Interpersonal Level:
    • Observational Learning (Modeling): Individuals learn behaviors by observing others. Witnessing substance use by family members, peers, or media figures can increase the likelihood of initiation and continued use.
    • Social Reinforcement: The influence of social reactions (e.g., approval, disapproval) on behavior. Peers or family members who encourage or enable substance use can reinforce the behavior.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Based on Cognitive and Behavioral Theories
  • Underlying Concept: CBT is a highly influential psychotherapeutic approach that posits that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. It focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.
  • Intrapersonal Level:
    • Cognitive Distortions: Maladaptive thinking patterns (e.g., "I need this drink to relax," "One slip-up means I've failed completely"). CBT helps individuals identify and challenge these irrational thoughts.
    • Coping Skills: Lack of healthy coping mechanisms for stress, negative emotions, or cravings. CBT teaches specific intrapersonal skills like relaxation techniques, problem-solving, and emotion regulation.
  • Interpersonal Level:
    • Social Skills Deficits: Difficulty navigating social situations without substances, asserting boundaries, or communicating effectively. CBT often incorporates social skills training to improve interpersonal functioning in recovery.
    • Environmental Triggers: Recognizing and managing social cues or interpersonal conflicts that trigger substance use. This includes learning to avoid certain social situations or developing strategies to handle them sober.
• Family Systems Theory
  • Underlying Concept: This theory views the family as an emotional unit and a complex system. It suggests that individuals' behaviors, including substance use, are understood within the context of family patterns, roles, communication, and dynamics, rather than solely as individual pathology.
  • Intrapersonal Level (Impact on Individual within System):
    • Identified Patient: The individual with the substance use disorder is often seen as the "symptom bearer" for underlying family dysfunction. Their use may serve a function within the family system (e.g., distracting from marital conflict, a way to gain attention).
    • Individual Roles: How the individual's substance use shapes their role within the family (e.g., the "scapegoat," the "responsible one" compensating for the user).
  • Interpersonal Level:
    • Communication Patterns: Dysfunctional communication (e.g., triangulation, lack of clear boundaries, double binds) can contribute to stress and substance use.
    • Family Rules and Roles: Implicit or explicit rules that perpetuate substance use (e.g., enabling behaviors, secrecy). Roles like enabler, hero, scapegoat, or lost child often emerge in families affected by addiction.
    • Co-dependency: Dysfunctional relational patterns where one person's well-being is excessively dependent on controlling or fixing another's problem (often seen in partners or parents of individuals with SUD).

Sample Answer

          Understanding theoretical models of substance use is crucial for developing effective and tailored treatment interventions. These models often operate at both the intrapersonal (within the individual) and interpersonal (between individuals) levels, reflecting the complex interplay of factors contributing to substance use disorders.  

Underlying Concepts of Three Theories at Intra- and Interpersonal Levels:

  Let's explore three prominent theories:

1. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) by Albert Bandura
   • Underlying Concept: SCT posits that human behavior is influenced by the interaction of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors. It emphasizes observational learning, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and reciprocal determinism.