Attachment Theory's Role in Addiction: Insights from Philip J. Flores
Being understood as an adult is the same as being held as an infant.
What if the roots of addiction could be traced back to your earliest relationships? In this episode of Harm Reduction Radio, host Kenneth Anderson sits down with Philip J. Flores Ph.D., author of 'Addiction as an Attachment Disorder', to explore this intriguing idea. Flores delves into the work of John Bowlby, the pioneer of attachment theory, and explains how our early attachment experiences shape our brain's development and influence our behaviors, including addiction.
He discusses the significance of understanding attachment styles in psychotherapy and the role of both self-regulation and interpersonal relationships in recovery. The conversation also touches on the brain's remarkable ability to change, known as neuroplasticity, and how ongoing experiences can continue to shape it. With a focus on the clash between harm reduction, moderation, and abstinence-based treatments, Flores offers a nuanced perspective on how attachment theory can inform more effective addiction therapies.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the deeper psychological factors that contribute to addiction and how they can be addressed in treatment.