Is the Bio-Psycho-Social Model Enough?
For decades, the bio-psycho-social (BPS) model has been the dominant framework for understanding addiction, mental health, and physical well-being. By examining the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to disease and recovery, the BPS model provides a holistic approach that has guided countless treatment programs. However, a growing number of practitioners, researchers, and individuals in recovery argue that the model remains incomplete without a fourth pillar: spirituality. This expanded bio-psycho-social-spiritual (BPSS) model accounts for the role of faith, meaning, and existential purpose in healing – a perspective embraced by many in the recovery community, yet controversial in academic and medical circles.
At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental question: Is spirituality an essential component of addiction recovery, or is it an unnecessary and unscientific addition to an otherwise evidence-based model? Critics argue that spirituality is inherently subjective, difficult to measure, and already accounted for within psychological and social domains. Supporters counter that spirituality offers something uniquely transformative, providing meaning, hope, and moral alignment in a way that psychology and social support alone may not.
This discussion is not just about addiction; it extends to nearly every area of mental and physical health. From chronic illness management to trauma recovery, the question of whether spirituality should be formally recognized as a factor in well-being has profound implications for treatment models, research funding, and patient care. Does the absence of spirituality make scientific models more rigorous, or does it make them incomplete?
This article will explore both sides of the argument, presenting the strongest cases for and against the inclusion of spirituality in modern addiction treatment and recovery. The outcome of this debate shapes not only the way we understand addiction but also how we define the human experience of healing itself. Click here or the graphic below to access the PDF. As always, feedback, comments and criticisms are all welcome!
