Attachment Theory and Addiction: A Counselling Approach to Understanding and Treating Substance Use
Attachment Theory and Addiction: A Counselling Approach to Understanding and Treating Substance Use
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Issue Date
2025-05-21
Authors
Arora, Riya
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Abstract
Attachment patterns developed during early childhood have a profound influence on an individual's emotional regulation and coping mechanisms, which can significantly impact the risk of developing substance use disorders. Insecure attachment styles, such as anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, are often linked to maladaptive coping strategies, including substance use, as individuals seek to manage stress, emotional pain, or interpersonal difficulties. This capstone explores the complex relationship between attachment styles and vulnerability to substance use, with a focus on the physiological, social, environmental, and biological factors that contribute to this association. The capstone explores the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in shaping these attachment patterns and their subsequent impact on addiction risk. Furthermore, the research considers clinical implications for treatment, discussing how attachment-focused therapies can enhance the effectiveness of interventions for individuals struggling with addiction. The findings point to significant gaps in current research, offering directions for future studies that could deepen our understanding of the attachment-addiction link and improve therapeutic approaches.
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Keywords
attachment , insecure attachment , addiction , substance use , adverse childhood events