Attachment Theory and Substance Abuse: Etiological Links

Some often describe substance abuse as a disease with no cure. An alternative etiology of substance abuse may be examined through a modern attachment theory lens. Examining substance abuse as a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a stand-alone disease leads to discussing alternative treatme...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of human behavior in the social environment 2014-07, Vol.24 (5), p.531-537
Main Authors: Cihan, Abdullah, Winstead, David Anthony, Laulis, Jonathan, Feit, Marvin D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attachment
attachment theory
Behavior
Childhood
Diseases
Drug abuse
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse treatment
substance dependence
Symptoms
Treatment Methods
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Summary:Some often describe substance abuse as a disease with no cure. An alternative etiology of substance abuse may be examined through a modern attachment theory lens. Examining substance abuse as a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a stand-alone disease leads to discussing alternative treatments. This article explores substance abuse as a faulty activation of attachment strategies stemming from insecure attachment relationships in infancy and early childhood. Attachment theory-based clinical treatment of this disorder could both diminish symptoms and cure the incurable. Implications for practice are also discussed as future research in the area of attachment and substance abuse is greatly encouraged.
ISSN:1091-1359
1540-3556
DOI:10.1080/10911359.2014.908592