Ace the 2026 Certified Addiction Counselor Exam – Empower Change with Confidence!

The primary classification of addiction according to the disease model is that it is a biopsychosocial disease. This classification suggests that addiction is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

From a biological perspective, genetics can play a significant role in an individual's susceptibility to addiction, alongside neurochemical changes in the brain that occur due to substance use. The psychological aspect considers the individual's mental health, including co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety, that can contribute to substance use. Lastly, the social element encompasses the influence of environment, relationships, social pressures, and cultural factors that can affect an individual's risk for developing an addiction.

This comprehensive approach emphasizes that addiction cannot be fully understood through any one lens (such as purely genetic, social, or psychological), but rather through an integrated view that recognizes the interplay of these various domains. This perspective is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies that address all facets of an individual's experience with addiction.