It is important to note that any form of illness, ailment, or public health issue is a complex and multifaceted problem. A perspective that focuses only on one particular aspect can derive a skewed and inaccurate picture of reality behind the potential causes. Therefore, solutions will likely be ineffective or plagued with unintended ramifications. However, the biopsychosocial model is a holistic and comprehensive framework for analyzing and addressing a health issue. The given assessment will argue that problems, such as addiction or chronic pain, are best tackled with the use of the biopsychosocial model.
The biopsychosocial model considers and accounts for three core elements, which include biology, psychology, and social factors. It is stated that “the biopsychosocial model was intended to be a complete account of healthcare and illness behavior. It was never intended to replace biomedical matters” (Wade & Halligan, 2017, p. 997). It is reported that the proactive and proper use of such a model allows healthcare organizations and providers to develop more effective and holistic strategies for addressing chronic and persistent challenges, such as chronic pain and substance abuse (Wade & Halligan, 2017). Some health issues are most effectively and efficiently addressed with traditional biomedical frameworks, but problems, such as addiction or chronic pain, are more complex with massive social implications.
In conclusion, the biopsychosocial model should become a widely adopted and utilized framework to address complex health ailments. Chronic pain and addiction have not only biological implications but additionally social and psychological ones. Therefore, the treatment modalities and protocols should adhere to the biopsychosocial model to account for social factors as well as mental health. The emphasis should be put on addressing and enabling support systems in all three major areas of the framework.
Reference
Wade, D. T., & Halligan, P. W. (2017). The biopsychosocial model of illness: A model whose time has come. Clinical Rehabilitation, 31(8), 995–1004.