Abstract
Addictions, the eighth EDP we will discuss, are compulsive dysfunctional behaviors supported by compromised brain systems originally designed for species survival. They involve genetics as well as hijacking of motivational systems and generally serve to avoid uncomfortable feelings. Much of treatment is focused on generating motivation and dealing with patient’s typically high degree of resistance to being influenced by others, including therapists. One principle is to avoid confrontation and argument. Another is to structure a choice for the patient between the biological need for human connection and the biological drive to maintain the addiction. Given such a clear choice, patients often choose to enter recovery.
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Smith, J. (2017). Addictions. In: Psychotherapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49460-9_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49460-9_15
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