Recovery Through Connection: Bridging the Treatment Gap in Adult Substance Use Disorders
Recovery Through Connection: Bridging the Treatment Gap in Adult Substance Use Disorders
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Issue Date
2024-07-02
Authors
Johnson, Michelle
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Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a prevalent and expanding global public health concern, impacting nearly 30 million people worldwide. SUDs are associated with significant physical and mental health concerns, as well as major economic, social and legal problems. Compelling research has been emerging, linking the roots of problematic substance use with early relational trauma or attachment wounds, positioning attachment theory as a comprehensive framework to explore and address these issues. While attachment-based interventions are well-validated and proven effective for various other presenting concerns, there is a lack of clinical awareness and understanding regarding their application in treating SUDs. This capstone research project aimed to examine the significant components of attachment-based interventions and the ways in which they promote change in SUD treatment. A review of peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between 2017-2024 and a thematic synthesis of study outcomes revealed that the psychological mechanisms of secure attachment formation, emotion regulation enhancement and improved relational competencies can support recovery and relapse prevention for individuals seeking treatment for SUD. Therapists can support positive treatment outcomes by exploring early childhood experiences, attachment strategies and their profound impacts on adult attachment styles in the development and maintenance of SUDs. The utilization of outcome-based measures can assist therapists in refining treatment approaches for the unique needs of adults who present to treatment for SUD.
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Keywords
substance use disorder (SUD) , attachment styles , attachment-based interventions , emotion regulation , therapeutic relationship , social support