Understanding and Supporting Addiction Recovery with the Biopsychosocial Model

by Dr. Wesley C. Sassaman, DNP, MPH, MSN-NE, MBA, FNP-C, CARN-AP

The Biopsychosocial Model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding addiction, encompassing biological, psychological, and social factors that influence an individual's substance use behaviors. When applied to addiction, this model recognizes that biological vulnerabilities, psychological factors such as mental health conditions or stress, and social influences like family dynamics and peer interactions all play crucial roles in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors.

For parents seeking to understand and support their teen or young adult's addiction issues within the context of the Biopsychosocial Model, it offers a holistic approach that encourages involvement in their child's recovery journey. By considering the interplay of biological, psychological, and social elements, parents can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities underlying addiction and tailor their support accordingly.

As parents interact with their child and the healthcare providers involved in their recovery from fentanyl addiction, applying the Biopsychosocial Model can facilitate a more informed and collaborative approach to care. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of addiction, parents can actively engage in treatment discussions, provide emotional support, and contribute valuable insights based on their understanding of their child's unique biological, psychological, and social needs. This proactive involvement can enhance the effectiveness of the recovery process and strengthen the parent-child-provider partnership, ultimately fostering a more supportive and cohesive environment for sustainable healing and growth. This blog's aims is to empower parents by exploring the Biopsychosocial Model in the context of addiction, offering insights on how they can understand and actively participate in their teen or young adult's recovery journey from fentanyl addiction, using the gained insights to foster a collaborative and supportive approach to care

Biological Perspective

The biological perspective of the Biopsychosocial Model acknowledges the physiological factors that contribute to addiction and recovery. This includes understanding the impact of genetics, brain chemistry, and the role of medications in treatment (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018).

The biopsychosocial model recognizes the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding addiction and recovery. When it comes to the addiction of adolescent teens or young adults to fentanyl, the biological component of the biopsychosocial model provides valuable insights.

1. Genetics:

   - Genetic factors play a significant role in addiction susceptibility.

   - According to a study by Agrawal et al. (2018), genetic factors account for about 40-60% of the risk of addiction.

   - For example, variations in the dopamine receptor gene (DRD2) have been associated with a higher risk of substance abuse (Blum et al.,  2023).

2. Brain Chemistry:

   - Addiction involves changes in brain chemistry and reward pathways.

   - As explained by Nestler (2015), repeated drug use leads to alterations in the brain's reward circuitry, specifically the mesolimbic dopamine system.

   - For instance, fentanyl increases the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to intense pleasure and reinforcing drug-seeking behaviors (Volkow et al., 2016).

3. Medications in Treatment:

   - Medications can play a crucial role in addiction treatment, including fentanyl addiction.

   - According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019), medications such as buprenorphine and methadone are effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids.

   - Naltrexone, another medication, blocks the effects of opioids and reduces the risk of relapse (American Psychiatric Association, 2018).

Parent Take Away

The genetic components, brain chemistry, and medications involved in addiction and recovery provide parents with a deeper understanding of their child's addiction to fentanyl. Genetic factors contribute significantly to addiction susceptibility, with variations in genes such as DRD2 increasing the risk. Changes in brain chemistry, particularly in the reward pathways, play a crucial role in the reinforcing nature of drugs like fentanyl. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone have been proven effective in treating fentanyl addiction. By understanding these specific components, parents can actively participate in their child's recovery journey, supporting them with empathy and advocating for appropriate treatment options.

Psychological Perspective

From a psychological perspective, parents can recognize the psychological factors that influence addiction and recovery. This may involve understanding the role of mental health disorders, trauma, and coping mechanisms in addiction, as well as the importance of therapy and counseling in addressing these underlying issues (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016).

By gaining knowledge about their child or young adult's psychological well-being, parents can better support their treatment goals and strategies (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020).

1. Mental Health Disorders:

   - Parents can educate themselves about common mental health disorders that co-occur with addiction, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder (NIDA, 2020).

   - By recognizing the signs and symptoms of these disorders, parents can encourage their child to seek appropriate mental health treatment alongside addiction treatment (NIDA, 2020).

   - Understanding the relationship between mental health and addiction helps parents address their child's holistic well-being.

Example: If a parent identifies that their child has a history of depression, they can support their child's treatment goals by encouraging them to engage in therapy specifically targeting depression symptoms (NIDA, 2020).

2. Trauma:

   - Parents should be aware that traumatic experiences can significantly impact addiction and recovery (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014).

   - Recognizing the signs of trauma and its potential role in addiction can help parents approach their child's recovery with sensitivity and understanding (SAMHSA, 2014).

   - Encouraging trauma-informed therapy can provide their child with the necessary support to address underlying trauma and its impact on addiction (SAMHSA, 2014).

Example: If a parent knows that their child experienced a traumatic event, they can actively participate in their child's plan of care by seeking out therapists who specialize in trauma-focused therapies (SAMHSA, 2014).

3. Coping Mechanisms:

   - Parents should recognize that individuals with addiction often develop maladaptive coping mechanisms to deal with stress, emotions, or past trauma (SAMHSA, 2014).

   - Understanding these coping mechanisms can help parents identify triggers for relapse and support their child in developing healthier coping strategies (SAMHSA, 2014).

   - Encouraging participation in therapy and counseling can provide their child with tools to address and replace unhealthy coping mechanisms (SAMHSA, 2014).

Example: If a parent realizes that their child has a history of using substances as a coping mechanism for stress, they can actively participate in their child's plan of care by supporting their involvement in stress management techniques like mindfulness or yoga (SAMHSA, 2014).

Parent Take Away

In developing their child's plan of care, parents' understanding of their child's mental health disorders, potential trauma history, and coping mechanisms is invaluable. By participating in the treatment team discussions, parents can share their insights and help tailor the treatment plan to address these underlying issues effectively. Their involvement ensures that the treatment approach is comprehensive and holistic, considering both addiction and psychological well-being (NIDA, 2020; SAMHSA, 2014).

Sociological Perspective

The sociological perspective emphasizes the social and environmental factors that contribute to addiction and recovery. Parents can consider the influence of peer pressure, family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and access to support networks in their teen or young adult's recovery journey. They can also recognize the importance of community resources, such as support groups and recovery centers, in fostering a supportive environment (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018).

The biopsychosocial model is a framework that recognizes the importance of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and addressing addiction and recovery (Engs, 2016). In the sociological component of this model, the focus is on the social and environmental factors that contribute to addiction as well as those that support recovery. Parents can and should consider the influence of peer pressure, family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and access to support networks in their teen or young adult's recovery journey. For the parent, the sociological perspective also highlight the significance of community resources, such as support groups and recovery centers, in fostering a supportive environment.

1. Influence of peer pressure:

Peer pressure can significantly impact a young person's likelihood of developing an addiction or relapsing during the recovery process. Parents should be aware of their teen or young adult's social circle and how it may influence their behavior. By understanding the dynamics of peer pressure, parents can intervene and provide guidance to their child. For example, they can encourage their child to surround themselves with positive influences and engage in activities that promote sobriety (Bahr et al., 2014).

2. Family dynamics:

The family environment plays a crucial role in addiction and recovery. Parents need to recognize the impact of their own behavior and the overall family dynamics on their teen or young adult's recovery journey. A supportive and understanding family can significantly enhance the chances of successful recovery. Conversely, a dysfunctional family environment can hinder progress and contribute to relapse. Parents should strive to create an atmosphere of trust, open communication, and support within the family (Kelly et al., 2018).

3. Socioeconomic status:

Socioeconomic status can also influence addiction and recovery. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional challenges, such as limited access to resources and higher levels of stress. Parents need to be aware of these factors and provide extra support and resources to their teen or young adult. This may include assisting with education or employment opportunities, accessing healthcare services, or connecting them with community organizations that provide support to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (Porath-Waller et al., 2015).

4. Access to support networks:

Having a strong support network is crucial for individuals in recovery. Parents can play a vital role in helping their teen or young adult build and maintain supportive relationships. They can encourage their child to attend support groups, therapy sessions, or participate in activities that connect them with others in recovery. Additionally, parents can reach out to their own network to find resources and support for their child. This can include connecting with other parents who have gone through similar experiences or seeking guidance from professionals in the field (Hser et al., 2017).

Parent Take Away

In the sociological component of the biopsychosocial model, the focus is on the social and environmental factors that contribute to addiction and recovery. Parents can play a significant role in their teen or young adult's recovery journey by considering the influence of peer pressure, family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and access to support networks. By understanding and addressing these factors, parents can create a supportive environment that enhances their child's chances of successful recovery. Additionally, community resources, such as support groups and recovery centers, are essential in providing the necessary support and connections for individuals in recovery. By utilizing these resources, parents can help their child navigate the challenges of addiction and build a solid foundation for a healthier future.

Conclusion

By integrating these perspectives, parents can take a holistic approach to supporting their teen or young adult in recovery. It allows them to address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to substance use disorders. This comprehensive understanding enables parents to provide appropriate support, resources, and interventions tailored to their child's unique needs and circumstances.

References

• Agrawal, A., Tillman, R., Grucza, R. A., Nelson, E. C., McCutcheon, V. V., Few, L., ... & Lynskey, M. T. (2018). Reciprocal relationships between substance use and disorders and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism. Journal of Affective Disorders, 241, 386-395.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2018). Medications for opioid use disorder. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/opioid-use-disorder/opioid-use-disorder

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Biopsychosocial Model. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/biopsychosocial-model (https://dictionary.apa.org/biopsychosocial-model)

• Bahr, S. J., Hoffmann, J. P., & Yang, X. (2014). Parental and peer influences on the risk of adolescent drug use. Journal of Primary Prevention, 35(5), 315-333.

• Blum, K., Bowirrat, A., Elman, I., Baron, D., Thanos, P. K., Gold, M. S., Hanna, C., Makale, M. T., Sunder, K., Jafari, N., Zeine, F., Murphy, K. T., Makale, M., & Badgaiyan, R. D. (2023). Evidence for the DRD2 Gene as a Determinant of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Clinical and experimental psychology, 9(4), 8–11.

• Engs, R. C. (2016). The biopsychosocial model of addiction. Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/biopsc.html (http://www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/biopsc.html)

• Hser, Y. I., Mooney, L. J., Huang, D., Zhu, Y., Tomko, R. L., & McClure, E. (2017). Comparative effectiveness of different treatment pathways for opioid use disorder. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(9), 999-1008.

• Kelly, J. F., Stout, R. L., Greene, M. C., & Slaymaker, V. (2018). Young adults, social networks, and addiction recovery: Post-treatment changes in social ties and their role as a mediator of 12-step participation. PLoS One, 13(1), e0191202.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction)

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Medications to treat opioid use disorder. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview)

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Comorbidity: Substance use disorders and other mental illnesses. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/what-are-treatment-options-people-substance-use-disorders-co (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/what-are-treatment-options-people-substance-use-disorders-co)

• Porath-Waller, A. J., Beasley, E., Beirness, D. J., & Patra, J. (2015). A meta-analytic review of school-based prevention for cannabis use. Health Education and Behavior, 42(5), 640-645.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4801. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-57-Trauma-Informed-Care-in-Behavioral-Health-Services/SMA14-4816 (https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-57-Trauma-Informed-Care-in-Behavioral-Health-Services/SMA