In Search of Wholeness: An Exploration of Social Connection as a Mediating Factor in Addiction

Abstract

Addiction remains a topic of much research and media attention. The link between social connection and addiction has been identified, yet is rarely researched. I examine this link from two theoretical frameworks: Bowlby's attachment theory and Alexander's (2008) theory of dislocation. Each theory is explained in terms of its major tenets, its conceptualization of addiction, and for the ways in which the link between addiction and connection might best be understood. Both models are evaluated for their respective strengths and limitations as well as for implications for practice. Guided by constructivist understandings, a proposal is drawn for how each theory serves to inform the other in research and practice. Areas for future research are identified as particularly salient to this topic.