This training explores the relationship between attachment theory and substance use disorders. It provides an evidence-based perspective on how unmet attachment needs and early relational patterns contribute to the development and maintenance of addiction. Participants will learn how to apply attachment principles in treatment and recovery processes.
Upon completion of this training, learners will be able to:
- Explain the core concepts of attachment theory and its relevance to substance use disorders.
- Identify the impact of attachment styles on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.
- Analyze the role of unmet attachment needs in the development of addictive behaviors.
- Apply attachment-based strategies to improve outcomes in addiction treatment and recovery.
Social workers completing this course will receive 2 Clinical recorded distance learning asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Ethics, Clinical, and General Skill Building continuing education training.
Course Format: This course is a recorded asynchronous distance learning course delivery with downloadable presentation slides and, if applicable, course supplemental handouts. The learner is required to complete an evaluation assessing the applicability of the course to meet their learning and development needs, and pass a quiz based on course content with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test as needed until a satisfactory score is achieved. Once the learner has completed the evaluation and successfully passed the quiz, they will be able to return to their account dashboard and view/download their certificate.
Target Audience: Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists.
For all other questions not addressed, please visit our FAQs page.
Course Syllabus:
I. Foundations of Attachment Theory
- Originated by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
- Attachment as a biological drive formed through early caregiver relationships
- Secure base concept: a caregiver provides emotional safety and support
- Attachment continues throughout life, impacting adult relationships
II. Development of Attachment Styles
- Harlow’s research: comfort over nourishment in bonding
- Ainsworth’s “Strange Situation” experiment
- Attachment styles: secure, avoidant, ambivalent, disorganized
- Impact of neglect, inconsistency, and trauma on attachment formation
III. Components and Manifestations of Attachment
- Affective, behavioral, cognitive, kinesthetic, physical, and psychic components
- Emotional and physical safety contribute to healthy development
- Attachment styles influence emotional regulation and stress responses
- Observable behaviors and internal working models begin in infancy
IV. Insecure Attachment and Adult Challenges
- Symptoms in adults: fear of abandonment, low self-worth, boundary issues
- Codependency and commitment avoidance as coping strategies
- Influence on emotional availability and relationship patterns
- Difficulty managing relationships due to unresolved early attachment wounds
V. Intersection of Addiction and Attachment
- Substance use as self-medication for unmet attachment needs
- Addiction as a compensatory mechanism for emotional pain
- Clients often express a longing for connection, affirmation, and belonging
- Attachment insecurities can drive obsession and compulsive behaviors
VI. Understanding the Trauma-Addiction Cycle
- Trauma and pain initiate avoidance behaviors and substance use
- Short-term relief reinforces dependency on maladaptive coping
- Cycle leads to deeper emotional distress and sustained addiction
- Healing begins with understanding emotional and relational patterns
VII. Attachment Styles and Substance Use Disorder
- Secure attachment provides resilience and emotional regulation
- Avoidant and anxious attachments linked to increased substance use risk
- Disorganized attachment may result in self-destructive or chaotic behaviors
- Emotional dysregulation and low distress tolerance as risk factors
VIII. Addiction Beyond Substances
- Addiction can apply to people, relationships, media, work, sex, and more
- Limerence and obsessive bonding reflect attachment-driven infatuation
- False sense of regulation and identity derived from addictive behaviors
- Addiction often masks deeper attachment wounds
IX. Counseling Interventions for Adult Attachment
- Long-term therapy helps reshape attachment through secure relationships
- Security priming: activating attachment-related memories and cues
- Reframing childhood experiences and building new emotional narratives
- Techniques include guided recall, visualization, and mindful exploration
X. Fostering Secure Attachment in Recovery
- Teach clients to build internal resources and emotional autonomy
- Encourage social reconnection and secure relational experiences
- Promote self-awareness, self-trust, and active listening skills
- Therapist serves as a secure base, modeling consistency and empathy
Recording Date: 3/13/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com