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A Disease of Loneliness: Addiction Through an Attachment Theory Lens
June 24, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am PDT
Why do some individuals who drink alcohol and use substances develop a substance use disorder (SUD), while others do not? There is no consensus in the field, but most experts agree that biological, psychological, and sociological factors come into play. One area that touches upon all three of these factors is attachment theory, and a growing body of research links SUDs to insecure attachment.
In this talk, we will look at theories of how SUDs emerge and are maintained, including evidence that difficulty coping with negative experiences, regulating affect, and expressing attachment needs in close relationships is a risk factor. We will then review why connecting with others is a primary human motivation, the impact deprivation of relationships has on physical and emotional health, and the neurobiological evidence explaining the similarities between the strong responses individuals with SUD have to substances and people, in general, have to intimate relationships.
After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate clinical strategies, including attachment-based therapies and multicultural frameworks, to improve SUD treatment outcomes
- Describe prevailing theories on why some individuals who consume alcohol and use substances, and not others, develop a SUD
- Identify how attachment-related difficulties, such as challenges in coping with negative emotions and expressing needs in relationships, contribute to SUD risk and maintenance
- Discuss the interplay between different styles of insecure attachment, co-morbidities, and SUDs
CE credits available for psychologists*, therapists*, counselors*, and social workers*. Please email event.support@newporthealthcare.com for continuing education details. *Dependent on location.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers during these presentations are solely those of the speakers and do not reflect the views or positions of the organization or any affiliated entities. The organization is not responsible for any statements, advice, or opinions shared by the speakers during these sessions.
Presented By
Dr. Roeske is the Senior Director of the Center for Research and Innovation at Newport Healthcare, where he leads outcomes monitoring, measurement-based care, and behavioral health research. A licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, executive leadership, and research, he has held executive roles in top treatment programs and served as a clinical director, therapist, and adjunct professor across diverse settings. He is a Board Member and Ethics Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professionals and serves on the NAATP FoRSE Advisory Board.
