3.2 Types of AOD use - Schaeffer's model

Schaeffer's model
Case study - Roberto and Julian

Schaeffer's model

Schaeffer outlined five distinct patterns of AOD use:

• experimental
• recreational/social
• situational
• intensive
• compulsive

Schaeffer has developed a model to describe patterns of drug use. In this model (see diagram of model below) he acknowledges that most people use drugs in an experimental or recreational manner. This is particularly true for young people who often experiment with various substances as part of their growing up.

Drug use by recreational users serves different purposes than drug use by intensive and particularly compulsive users. In other words, recreational users and intensive or compulsive users use drugs for different reasons (Spooner, 1999; Shedler & Block, 1990; Stein, Newcomb & Bentler, 1987).

Recreational drug use is more about:

• curiosity
• rebellion
• being social
• having fun
• relaxing
• confidence
• the physical sensations of the drug

Intensive and particularly compulsive drug use on the other hand, is more about:

• reducing a sense of alienation
• identity formation
• self-medication
• relieving emotional distress
• improved self-regulation (soothing your emotions)

Recreational users tend to use more to have fun or party while compulsive users are motivated more by deeper psychological processes such as self-medication and providing relief from negative emotions.
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Diagram: Schaeffer's model - patterns of drug use

Text version of Diagram

Schaeffer's model is illustrated with an inverted triangle. Starting from the top, the patterns of drug use are:

• experimental - single or short-term use
• recreational/social - controlled use in social setting
• situational - use for specific reason
• intensive - high doses - binge
• compulsive - frequent/daily doses withdrawal

Case study - Roberto and Julian

Roberto and Julian are two 16-year-olds who spend most of their time together. On weekends, they like to party hard and they consume large amounts of alcohol (mainly spirits) every Saturday night. When there are no parties, they usually go to the beach to drink together. Julian usually drinks a lot more alcohol than Roberto, but for both of them, Sundays are spent recovering.

Roberto also uses a variety of substances to get him through the week. He claims that this helps him to cope with his parents and life in general. He does not see his drug or alcohol use as a problem and believes his life is under control.

Question - What are the differences in Roberto and Julian's AOD use? Which seems to have more of a problem? Why?

Question - Can Julian's alcohol use be described as purely recreational?