Addiction as an Attachment Disorder

by Philip J. Flores Narrated by Adam Lofbomm

Overview

From the Foreword:



"Addiction is a disorder in self-regulation. Individuals who become dependent on addictive substances cannot regulate their emotions, self-care, self-esteem, and relationships. In this monumental and illuminating text Philip Flores covers all the reasons why this is so. But it is the domain of interpersonal relations that he makes clear why individuals susceptible to substance use disorders (SUDs) are especially vulnerable. His emphasis on addiction as an attachment disorder is principally important because he provides extensive scholarly and clinical insights as to why certain vulnerable individuals so desperately need to substitute chemical solutions and connections for human ones.



The strength of Flores's paradigm of addiction as an attachment disorder is that it is a theory that effectively and wisely guides treatment, but at the same time, when properly implemented or practiced, the treatment resonates with and further enhances the theory. Flores's work here is an extraordinary one because, in parsimonious and clear language, he makes a major contribution to the literature and practice of effective psychotherapy in general and effective psychotherapy for the addictions in particular."

Editorial Reviews

Henry I. Spitz

It is indeed rare to find a thoughtful and scholarly blend of theoretical material and clinical wisdom in a single volume. Dr. Flores has integrated the critical elements of attachment and object relations theory, individual, group, and family interventions, relevant addiction research findings, and their therapeutic applications to the problem of substance abuse in a pragmatic and readibly accessible text. This unique book should be on the 'must read' list not only for mental health professionals but for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of contemporary therapy for addictions.

PsycCRITIQUES

This text excels in its discussion of how attachment theory informs the therapeutic alliance (what some would call 'professional use of self') and in explaining how and why therapy works.

Marilyn Freimuth

At last a book has been written which brings to light what most psychotherapists and addiction counselors intuitively understand: addictive processes and attachment problems are intricately intertwined. For the addicted individual, relationships with substances supercede human relationships. Flores spells out the myriad ways in which addiction and attachment are connected, including how the two overlap at the biological, psychological, and social levels. Evolving out of this theoretical understanding, the book describes effective treatment strategies which can include 12-step programs, individual and/or group therapy. Like the best of clinical texts, this one brings abstract theoretical concepts to the experiential and practice levels. In so doing, Flores provides the reader with two books in one. He develops a general model for an attachment-based psychotherapy. Specific to the addiction field, he convincingly shows how relational problems, whether the cause or consequence of addictive behaviors, are best treated by developing the capacity for healthy interpersonal relationships.

From the Publisher

It is indeed rare to find a thoughtful and scholarly blend of theoretical material and clinical wisdom in a single volume. Dr. Flores has integrated the critical elements of attachment and object relations theory, individual, group, and family interventions, relevant addiction research findings, and their therapeutic applications to the problem of substance abuse in a pragmatic and readibly accessible text. This unique book should be on the 'must read' list not only for mental health professionals but for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of contemporary therapy for addictions.--Henry I. Spitz, MD, director, Group & Family Therapy Programs, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons

At last a book has been written which brings to light what most psychotherapists and addiction counselors intuitively understand: addictive processes and attachment problems are intricately intertwined. For the addicted individual, relationships with substances supercede human relationships. Flores spells out the myriad ways in which addiction and attachment are connected, including how the two overlap at the biological, psychological, and social levels. Evolving out of this theoretical understanding, the book describes effective treatment strategies which can include 12-step programs, individual and/or group therapy. Like the best of clinical texts, this one brings abstract theoretical concepts to the experiential and practice levels. In so doing, Flores provides the reader with two books in one. He develops a general model for an attachment-based psychotherapy. Specific to the addiction field, he convincingly shows how relational problems, whether the cause or consequence of addictive behaviors, are best treated by developing the capacity for healthy interpersonal relationships.--Marilyn Freimuth, PhD, faculty member at the Fielding Graduate Institute and private practitioner in New York City

This text excels in its discussion of how attachment theory informs the therapeutic alliance (what some would call 'professional use of self') and in explaining how and why therapy works.--PsycCRITIQUES

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178978726
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	10/27/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

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