The last decades have seen substantial growth in studies on attachment and SUDs. Despite methodological problems, the general link between insecure attachment and SUD today is well established. Attachment theory might contribute to the understanding and treatment of SUDs in a significant way. But to do so, a lot of open questions have to be answered. We will need more carefully designed longitudinal studies, more studies connecting psychological data with brain processes, and more clinical trials.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Educate clients on the concepts of attachment theory according to John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth.
- Correlate how behaviors occur because of unconscious urges and instinctual biological drives that increase their chances of survival.
- Identify possible deficiencies and challenges of unmet needs of attachment.
- Apply attachment principles to the basic principles of substance use disorder and how they affect individuals in the recovery process.
Syllabus:
Introduction to Attachment Theory
- Define attachment theory and its origin through the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
- Explain the significance of early caregiver-child bonding in emotional and relational development
- Review key studies including Harlow’s monkey experiments and Ainsworth’s Strange Situation
- Introduce core attachment styles: secure, avoidant, ambivalent (resistant), and disorganized
Objective #1: Understanding Substance Use as a Response to Attachment Disruption
- Explore substance use as a compensatory mechanism for unmet attachment needs
- Identify common early experiences that contribute to attachment trauma such as neglect and abuse
- Examine how insecure attachments can lead to patterns of self-soothing through substance use
- Recognize the developmental pathway from attachment wounds to substance dependency
Objective #2: The Link Between Trauma and Addiction
- Define the trauma-addiction cycle including emotional pain, shame, avoidance, and temporary relief
- Understand how substances offer short-term regulation but reinforce long-term dysregulation
- Highlight how attachment insecurity may predispose individuals to addiction and relapse
- Explore the impact of childhood trauma on brain development, cognition, and emotional regulation
Objective #3: Behavioral and Emotional Patterns of Attachment-Impaired Clients
- Identify behavior profiles including anxious, withdrawn, angry, and content-disconnected presentations
- Recognize how unmet needs can manifest as attention-seeking, emotional suppression, or aggression
- Use the Secure Base Model to support clients in building trust, regulation, belonging, and esteem
Objective #4: Attachment-Informed Approaches to Treatment
- Reframe substance use as a form of self-medication or self-protection
- Identify resource-based interventions to meet needs for connection, soothing, and validation
- Apply the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to clinical engagement
- Encourage development of new attachment strategies through relational consistency and responsiveness
Objective #5: Addiction as a Substitute for Emotional Connection
- Discuss the parallels between addiction and interpersonal dependency
- Explore themes such as infatuation, limerence, and craving as indicators of unmet attachment needs
- Address how obsession, withdrawal, and emotional highs/lows mirror insecure bonding dynamics
- Educate clients on the nature of healthy connection versus addictive relationship patterns
Objective #6: Clinical Implications and Interventions
- Use open-ended questions and narrative approaches to uncover core attachment themes
- Help clients explore early caregiving experiences and their emotional impact
- Guide clients in developing a secure internal base through therapeutic re-attunement
- Encourage relational healing through peer support, empathy, and emotionally corrective experiences
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Paul Hardy, D.Min. NMAC, CSAC
Recording Date: September 16, 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 3hrs 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.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com