According to Marlatt and Gordon, how is addiction described?

Marlatt and Gordon's framework for understanding addiction emphasizes that it is an overlearned habit pattern. This perspective considers addiction not just as a biological or purely medical issue but as a behavior that is reinforced through repeated actions and experiences. Over time, certain behaviors become automatic and ingrained, leading individuals to engage in addictive activities with little conscious thought.

The term "overlearned" highlights that these habits are often formed through consistent reinforcement and can be resistant to change due to their habitual nature. This understanding allows for a focus on behavioral interventions and modifications in treatment approaches, emphasizing the potential for change despite the entrenched nature of these habits.

This conceptualization contrasts with other descriptions of addiction, such as viewing it solely as a temporary phase, an uncontrollable disease, or primarily influenced by social factors, which may overlook the critical role of learned behaviors and habits in the development and maintenance of addiction. Understanding addiction as an overlearned habit pattern encourages a view of recovery that involves relearning and reshaping behavior, allowing for targeted strategies in both prevention and treatment.