Episode 30: On the psychoanalysis of addictive disorders

Summary: Addiction is one of the most widespread forms of mental illness. However, it is also burdened with many stigmas, and those suffering from it are often stigmatized. Treating it is considered difficult. But why do people become addicted? Can anyone become an addict? What is the psychological function of addictive behavior? This episode is an introduction to the psychoanalytic understanding of addictive disorders, focusing especially on the unconscious dynamics of shame and guilt.

The next episode will be released on 10/15-22

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Literature Recommendations

• Gill, R. (2014). Addictions From an Attachment Perspective: Do Broken Bonds and Early Trauma Lead to Addictive Behaviours? London: Routledge.
• Haber, D.H. (2022). Addiction, Accommodation, and Vulnerability in Psychoanalysis: Circles without a Center. London: Routledge.
• Potik, D. (2020). Psychodynamic Approaches for Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction: Theory and Treatment. London: Routledge.
• Radó, S. (1926). The psychic effects of intoxicants. An Attempt to Evolve a Psycho-Analytical Theory of Morbid Craving. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 7, 396.
• Voigtel, R. (2019). Sucht. Buchreihe: Analyse der Psyche und Psychotherapie. Psychosozial-Verlag. Gießen
• Wurmser, L. (2008). Hidden Dimension. Psychodynamics in Compulsive Drug Use. Lanham: Jason Aronson