Temperance versus Disease Model

Despite their overlaps the Temperance Model and the Disease Model are characterised by a fundamentally different attitude. While the Temperance Model sees the drug as the problem, the focus of the Disease Model is the addict. While the former demonises the drug, the latter attempts to de-demonise it. The solution that the Disease Model offers is aimed at the individual (treatment), the Temperance Model however favours social and legal interventions. Both models, insofar as their success can be measured, do not seem to be very effective.

Hans Durrer, 2009