Attachment Theory and Substance Abuse: Etiological Links

Cihan, Abdullah; Winstead, David Anthony; Laulis, Jonathan; Feit, Marvin D.

doi:10.1080/10911359.2014.908592

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Substance use has been suggested to function as a regulator of emotional activation, particularly during moments of an activated attachment system (Philips et al, 2012). This hypothesis converges with theories in the field where substance use has been suggested to potently interfere with attachment needs (Cihan, Winstead, Laulis, & Feit, 2014;Insel, 2003). This gives indices that the psychotherapeutic trajectory for BPD/SUD patients could possibly involve a worsening of the subjective experience of symptom severity and interpersonal functioning when and if their substance use declines.…”

Section: Reduction Of Borderline Symptomologysupporting

confidence: 77%

Mentalization-based treatment for female patients with comorbid personality disorder and substance use disorder: A pilot study

et al. 2017

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Mentalization-based treatment for female patients with comorbid personality disorder and substance use 28/30 disorder: A pilot study Objectives: In this study, we investigated the feasibility of mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for patients with comorbid substance use disorder (SUD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). No published study has ever specifically looked at MBT for these patients. Such individuals are known to have a very poor prognosis and harbor much pain and misery. Moreover, few randomized controlled trials exist on psychotherapy efficiency for patients with comorbid substance use disorder and borderline personality disorder. There is an urgent need for more knowledge on treatment for this patient group. Design: A pilot project within a naturalistic clinical setting with longitudinal data collection during treatment and at follow-up. Eighteen female patients attended a pilot project and participated in up to 36 months of treatment, according to the manuals. Patients were measured on primary (pre/post) and secondary (longitudinal) outcome measures before treatment, every six months during treatment, at the end of treatment, and at follow-up approximately two years after treatment. Methods: Statistical analyses of repeated outcome measures (GSI, CIP, GAF, WSAS, and RSES) and of pre/post measures (Axis I and II diagnosis) were performed with linear mixed models, and Cohens d was calculated. Results: Significant improvements on primary and secondary outcome measures were demonstrated, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. With respect to primary outcome, these SUD/PD patients were almost fully recovered from their SUD at follow-up (a predicted score of 0.2 Axis I SUD diagnosis at follow-up in comparison with a score of 1.8 at baseline). Conclusion: MBT as performed in this pilot project indicates promising results for patients with (mostly borderline) PDs and comorbid SUDs. Performing RCT studies is warranted.

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Section: Reduction Of Borderline Symptomologysupporting

confidence: 77%

Mentalization-based treatment for female patients with comorbid personality disorder and substance use disorder: A pilot study

et al. 2017

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“…Given the importance of understanding the mechanisms that may promote or impede connections between mothers’ own experiences of interpersonal trauma and difficulties in fostering secure attachment with their (young) children, analyses were conducted taking these experiences as a starting point. The current study applies an attachment-theoretical framework to the association between traumatic childhood experiences and substance use and substance-related problems, demanding an alternative etiology of substance abuse — as a symptom of an unmet need that fuels an individual’s attraction to a particular substance, rather than a stand-alone disease (102, 103). From this point of view, the self-regulation framework is introduced.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mothering, Substance Use Disorders and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission: An Attachment-Based Perspective

2019

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Background: A growing body of research underlines that interpersonal trauma in childhood leads to heightened susceptibility for substance use disorders (SUDs) in later life. Little research has been conducted on parenting experiences of mothers in recovery from substance use, taking into account their own upbringing as a child and the potential aftermath of interpersonal childhood trauma. Methods: Through in-depth qualitative interviews, 23 mothers with SUDs reflected on parenting experiences and parent-child bonding, related to both their children and parents. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analyzed adopting thematic analysis. Results: Throughout the narratives, consequences of trauma on mothers’ sense of self and its subsequent impact on parenting arose as salient themes. Five latent mechanisms of intergenerational trauma transmission were identified: 1) early interpersonal childhood trauma experiences in mothers; 2) trauma as a precursor of substance use; 3) substance use as a (self-fooling) enabler of parental functioning; 4) continued substance use impacting parental functioning; and 5) dysfunctional parental functioning and its relational impact upon offspring. Discussion: Findings suggest disruptive attachment can increase the vulnerability for SUDs on the one hand, but can be an expression of underlying trauma on the other, hence serving as a covert mechanism by which trauma can be transmitted across generations. Results indicate the need for preventive, attachment-based and trauma-sensitive interventions targeted at disruptive intergenerational patterns.

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“…Research on attachment theory and bereavement suggests that individuals who are more securely attached to their caregivers have healthier grieving processes, while those with negative caregiver relationships and less secure attachment experience more turbulent forms of grieving (Stroebe, 2002). Furthermore, as cognitive functioning and development are impacted by attachment levels, individuals with insecure attachment may be more likely to abuse illicit substances (Cihan, Winstead, Laulis, & Feit, 2014).…”

Section: Discussion and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“The Traps Started During My Childhood”: The Role of Substance Abuse in Women’s Responses to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Boppre

Boyer

2019

Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma

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The gendered pathways perspective seeks to identify the biological, psychological, and social realities that lead to women's lawbreaking behavior. Prior research in this area demonstrates the link between women's adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and involvement in the criminal justice system later in life. The current study fills an important gap in the literature by providing a phenomenological description of the impacts ACEs had upon 19 community supervised women's lives. Their stories illuminate the need to consider multiple forms of ACEs, from physical and sexual abuse to the death of a loved one. Interviewees' most prevalent response to ACEs was substance abuse. Three major themes related to their pathways to substance abuse emerged: coping/self-medication, escaping insecure households, and familial influences. Narratives were developed around each theme to provide an in-depth understanding of women's ACEs and substance abuse. Theoretical and policy implications for women involved in the criminal justice system are discussed.

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Attachment Theory and Substance Abuse: Etiological Links

Cited by 12 publications

References 33 publications

Mentalization-based treatment for female patients with comorbid personality disorder and substance use disorder: A pilot study

Mentalization-based treatment for female patients with comorbid personality disorder and substance use disorder: A pilot study

Mothering, Substance Use Disorders and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission: An Attachment-Based Perspective

“The Traps Started During My Childhood”: The Role of Substance Abuse in Women’s Responses to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

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