Alcohol dependency has a habit of
wreaking havoc anywhere it goes; it has a tendency of breaking relationships,
tearing families apart, and creating money issues. Although alcohol dependency
is a self-control or self-regulation issue in and of itself, much scientific
research and non-profit organizations have spent much time and resources to
provide an explanation to the cause of such a disorder and how to break a
person from such an addiction. Many have blamed genes, exposure, and social
desirability for the alcohol addiction phenomenon, but new research says that
although the above may be contributors, it may not be the most accurate cause
of such a debilitating addiction.
Authors, Clinton & Sibcy (2006), Schindler, Thomasius, Sack,
Gemeindhardt, Kustner & Eckert (2005), and Hernandez, Salerno & Bottoms
(2010) believe that an avoidant attachment style may be the leading cause of
the alcohol abuse.
Attachment
theory ultimately states that the relationship a child has with his/her
caregiver at the earliest stages of their lives affects how they can develop
and maintain relationships later in life. Essentially, people with avoidant attachment
styles often had parents that dismissed their feelings or emotions, especially
any negative emotions. Even further, some parents physically or emotionally reject
or disengage from their children. When these parenting styles persist, these
children, and then adults follow the following relationship rules: other people
are not reliable, dependable or trustworthy to care for their needs and they
must rely solely on themselves to tend to these needs. To pinpoint, as Clinton & Sibcy state,
“addictive behavior stems from turning away from others, especially God, and
looking to the self, and only to the self, for comfort. This state of
inwardness sets the stage for addiction as the avoidant person looks for
substitutes for intimacy” (pg. 84).
Many
often label attachment theory as “pop” psychology. In essence, is their
research to back up the claims that an avoidant attachment style often leads to
substance abuse? Hernandez et al. (2008) discovered that, in comparison to the
other attachment styles, avoidant attached people used and abused alcohol
significantly more as a coping style. Further, Schindler et al. (2005) found a
significantly larger difference in alcohol abuse between securely attached
individuals and avoidant attached individuals. At first glance, this theory
seems very fatalistic. How fair is it that a child’s parents have such a weight
on their behaviors as well as their abilities to develop and maintain
relationships as they grow through the lifespan? It is entirely possible to
break free from the insecure attachment style and the alcohol addiction one may
be facing, but that is unfortunately a blog post for another time. However, a
great source to learn about attachment theory and how to develop healthier
attachment styles, consult Why YouDo the Things You Do by Dr. Tim
Clinton and Dr. Gary Sibcy.
Great post Ashton! I like the perspective you presented that the alcohol addiction becomes the secure attachment. Reading your post made me think of an illustration of child in a alcoholic family. Considering the theory you presented, the child may watch the parent look to alcohol for the secure attachment, and therefore the child learns about the addiction and attachment through alcohol. I guess I combined the theories of learned behavior and attachment theory. It sure is interesting how the theories all relate with alcoholism.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! That makes so much sense. I have some cousins that struggle with alcoholism and now I can see why. They do not trust others and thus move to alcohol. With this information, it can help me to better understand them and help them. Real quickly, what would you say would be the best way to break them of this dependence on alcohol?
ReplyDeleteAshton, I found your insights about addictive behavior and avoidant attachment styles fascinating. It makes sense that one who avoids relationships will seek to self medicate that void. I have been so struck with how past relationship experiences continue to build and influence current ones. It's so encouraging how you pointed out hope for changing our relationship styles.
ReplyDeleteGood post. I like the dive into attachment styles and how it relates to addictions. In various settings of my life I have seen through others how their relationships affect their lifestyle choices. Looking at those I know who have or are struggling with an addiction I can clearly see how this theory of attachment styles has some observational support. It's crazy to think how much seemingly meaningless interactions when we were children can affect us so severely. Also, a good book to look at for overcoming parental effects is Hurt People Hurt People by Sandra Wilson (which we read for class). :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post---Just curious, but was there any significant correlation between avoidant attachment and alcholism as the specific addictive substance of choice or is that avoidant attached individuals make up a large percentage of the "addicted" in general? I had never thought about this perspective on addiction and specifically alcoholism but as I think through the individuals I have encountered with alcoholism in my life I can also immediately say that YES their attachment style with their parents as a child was avoidant. Very interesting. I appreciate that your post offers hope amidst the sadness of this topic--I agree with Jason that Hurt People Hurt People is a great lay-language book for folks to take a hard honest look at parental wounds and begin to understand and heal from them before they further influence their current relationships in negative ways. All of this talk about attachment styles in class and through this blog have me on my knees already about the behaviors, words, etc. I portray as I raise my 14 month old son. Such a responsibility!
ReplyDeleteIt is rather interesting that there is a correlation with alcoholism and people with avoidant attachment pattern. It is always exciting when we can find some truth in new information we come across based on our personal experiences. I know a few people who fall under this category. I have read a few articles about there being a link with the presence of substance abuse issues and people with insecure attachment patterns specifically with their fathers. I think studies on attachment patterns are always very educative and interesting!
ReplyDeleteAshton,
ReplyDeleteGood post. This of course for us seems to be common sense because of our exposure to such concepts. Unfortunately, it saddens me that some people who are dependent on alcohol (and other substances) will more than likely never gain exposure or gain an understanding of their attachment style and out it essentially impacts the things they do.
I appreciated you post Ashton! In reading it I could not help thinking about a loved one who struggles with alcohol addiction. I was wondering about the differences between men and women and if the connection between alcoholism and attachment style works differently between the sexes. In her case I think that she may feel the lack of acceptance and separation from both her parents, but possibly more so from her father. I have heard that fathers often stop showing physical affection towards their daughters once the girl has reached puberty because they don't know how to handle the awkward fact that their daughters have grown into sexually attractive women. I guess my question is: does this attachment style develop as late as the teen years or is it already formed before the puberty age? It seems that the style of attachment you described may begin to form earlier then the teens, but I wonder if the attachment style would not be enhanced or confirmed by the situation I described between the father and daughters lack of healthy physical contact.
ReplyDeleteNoticing the tie between attachment issues and alcohol addiction was a very interesting find Ashton. The fact that alcoholism is something that is turned to in order to fill an attachment void is certainly logical and most likely one of the greatest reasons for alcoholism. However, as you mentioned in passing, it is also impacted by social context and genetic lineage. In fact, the reality of having an alcoholic parent who created an environment of dysfunctional attachment would also present the example of an adult being a self-absorbed alcoholic. It is certainly an unfortunate reality of the destruction and depravity that is caused by sin.
ReplyDelete