The disease model was developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s and still remains one of the most widely accepted explanations for substance use disorders today (Fiester & Wilcox, 2018). The premise behind this theory is that addiction is a chronic illness which requires medical treatment in order for recovery to be attained (Fiester & Wilcox, 2018). With this approach, AA promotes complete abstinence from all substances with the belief that individuals have no control over their addictive behaviors due to biological factors beyond their control such as genetics or brain chemistry (Fiester & Wilcox., 2018). While there are some advantages associated with this approach in terms of reducing stigma surrounding addictions and encouraging help-seeking behaviors among those afflicted by substance use disorder (SUD), there can also be some pitfalls associated with using this approach exclusively. For instance,, while biological components may play a role in SUDs, research suggests that other variables such social circumstances must also be considered when attempting to understand why people become addicted (Strain et al., 2014; Fiester & Wilcox., 2018). Additionally, when applying this approach within a cross-cultural context it could lead clinicians down paths where assumptions are made about certain populations being “less responsible” than others since they “inherited” their problems biologically instead of them being something they created themselves through bad choices or behavior—which brings us into considering other perspectives on how someone might develop an addiction like the moral/spiritual approaches discussed next.

The moral/spiritual approaches view addiction from both religious teachings as well as societal values regarding what is good versus bad behavior or choices made by individuals seeking pleasure or escape from reality via drugs/alcohol consumption (Hoffman et al., 2017; Coward & Vergara 2019). From a biblical standpoint God makes clear our responsibility not just toward Him but towards ourselves—in essence He calls us away from destructive habits that tend hurt or destroy relationships between ourselves and Him as well as our relationship with others. In addition society places expectations upon its members often times along gender lines creating pressure for individuals which can lead them into making poor decisions when seeking relief through drug use if proper coping skills and outlets lack development during key developmental stages – particularly adolescence (Hoffman et al., 2017; Coward& Vergara 2019)Beyond Biblical teachings however western societies increasingly value materialistic pursuits leading many people into activities known as hedonic pursuits which often center around alcohol consumption leading many young people down paths where more negative consequences occur like legal issues related criminal charges(Hoffman et al.,2017; Coward