Abstract
Attachment theory posits that the earliest connection to a primary caregiver sows the seeds for future relational competence. The security of one’s attachment shapes the capacity for emotional regulation and self-control. Disrupted attachment can result in emotional wounds which the individual seeks to heal, often yielding maladaptive behavior. This chapter examines this idea in the context of addictive illness. Since compromised attachment makes one more vulnerable to addictive behavior, could such behavior be a search for healing? Attachment theory will be presented as a context for substance abuse. Spirituality will be explored as a vehicle for the connection and sense of self that is either lost or never established. Resilience is proposed as an outcome of spiritual growth and an important quality for recovery from addictive illness. The transaction of these themes provides a framework for treatment of addictive disorders.
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
—Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
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Spitz, J. (2018). Addiction, Spirituality, and Resilience. In: MacMillan, T., Sisselman-Borgia, A. (eds) New Directions in Treatment, Education, and Outreach for Mental Health and Addiction. Advances in Mental Health and Addiction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72778-3_12
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