Monkey Model of Addiction: a Dangerous Myth

• NCJ Number: 112568
• Author(s): W Wilbanks
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the International Conference on Drug Policy Reform, October 22, 1988 in Washington, D.C.

Annotation

This paper severely criticizes the theory, based on animal research, that continued experimentation with drugs leads to inevitable loss of control and then examines implications of the 'monkey model' of addiction for drug control policies.

Abstract

Terming the 'monkey model' as part of an emerging philosophy that strikes at the concept of human will, the author describes how the media and authorities on addiction promote the image of the helpless addict overwhelmed by the power of drugs. Animal research that reveals controlled users as well as addicts is surveyed. In discussing drug control policies, the author contends that supporters of the 'monkey model' see it as an effective deterrent that scares kids away from drugs and view any less mechanistic theory of addiction as an ineffective deterrent. Moreover, the 'monkey model' has contributed to a focus on treatment and deterrence and neglect of prevention programs. This belief could lead to greater levels of addiction since it promotes the idea that self-control is futile in the face of the overpowering nature of drugs. Finally, the author opposes legalizing hard drugs as long as the 'monkey model' dominates education programs.