Draft White paper on the Economic Model of Addiction

Here’s our new White Paper on the Economic Model of Addiction - what it is, how it connects with other potential features of addiction and how it works. 

The Economic Model of Addiction - the missing link in Addiction Modelling and why it matters

There are 3 common academic ‘models’ of addiction, the Social, Biological and Psychological, which attempt to understand and describe the factors which contribute to addiction in individuals and society.

We propose there should be a 4th model, the Economic Model which reflects what could also be called the ‘commerciogenic’ or ‘commercial determinants’ of addiction. Here we outline its distinctive components and show how it exploits the factors described in the other models to cause and perpetuate addiction.

What you will get here is:

• An introduction to the Economic Model of Addiction and its 4 main components

• It’s place in the context of the other three main models the Social, Biological and Psychological and a brief outline of each

• How the Economic Model draws on and influences the other models

• The positives and negatives of considering addiction in each of these ways

• Outline of what gets in the way of policy action on the Economic Model

• Potential next steps

We I would love any thoughts you have and would be eager for you to share with anyone involved in addiction and policy.  Very pleased to discuss this with any groups who may be interested.

We are unoffendable, so please feel free to be honest! Thanks for any thoughts. We are also looking for funding for future phases, if you know of anyone with that sort of grant funding love to know. 

The Economic Model of Addiction - the missing link in Addiction Modelling and why it matters