H F Unterrainer1,2, M Hiebler-Ragger3,4, L Rogen3,4, H P Kapfhammer4. 1. Verein Grüner Kreis, Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Rudolfsplatz 9, 1010, Wien, Österreich. human.unterrainer@gruenerkreis.at. 2. Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapeutische Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich. human.unterrainer@gruenerkreis.at. 3. Verein Grüner Kreis, Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Rudolfsplatz 9, 1010, Wien, Österreich. 4. Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapeutische Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is no commonly accepted model for describing the development and treatment of substance use disorders (SUD); however, over several decades the attachment theory has represented an important basis for the clinical handling of SUD. This study gives a systematic review of empirical studies regarding the relationship between SUD and disorders of attachment behavior. OBJECTIVE: Is there a positive relationship between disorders of attachment behavior and the presence of SUD? METHOD: Various databases (PsychInfo, Web of Science, PubMed) were systematically searched in order to pinpoint relevant studies in books and articles published in English or German. Based on the results 22 publications were selected. After a stricter limitation to original research, 12 articles could finally be accepted as eligible. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between SUD and insecure attachment in 10 out of the 12 studies. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the research studies reviewed the hypothesis to characterize SUD as a possible expression of an attachment disorder was confirmed. This corroborates the importance of considering attachment parameters in dealing with prevention and treatment of SUD. Further research might focus on non-substance-related addictive disorders and therapy outcome studies.
BACKGROUND: There is no commonly accepted model for describing the development and treatment of substance use disorders (SUD); however, over several decades the attachment theory has represented an important basis for the clinical handling of SUD. This study gives a systematic review of empirical studies regarding the relationship between SUD and disorders of attachment behavior. OBJECTIVE: Is there a positive relationship between disorders of attachment behavior and the presence of SUD? METHOD: Various databases (PsychInfo, Web of Science, PubMed) were systematically searched in order to pinpoint relevant studies in books and articles published in English or German. Based on the results 22 publications were selected. After a stricter limitation to original research, 12 articles could finally be accepted as eligible. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between SUD and insecure attachment in 10 out of the 12 studies. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the research studies reviewed the hypothesis to characterize SUD as a possible expression of an attachment disorder was confirmed. This corroborates the importance of considering attachment parameters in dealing with prevention and treatment of SUD. Further research might focus on non-substance-related addictive disorders and therapy outcome studies.
Authors: H F Unterrainer; M Hiebler; K Ragger; L Froehlich; K Koschutnig; H Schoeggl; H P Kapfhammer; I Papousek; E M Weiss; A Fink Journal: Brain Imaging Behav Date: 2016-12 Impact factor: 3.978
Authors: Jürgen Fuchshuber; Michaela Hiebler-Ragger; Adelheid Kresse; Hans-Peter Kapfhammer; Human F Unterrainer Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2018-07-16 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Naomi C Z Andrews; Mary Motz; Bianca C Bondi; Margaret Leslie; Debra J Pepler Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-12-03 Impact factor: 3.390