Addictions: current perspectives.
Maria Paula De Magalhães Tavares de Oliveira
The Journal of analytical psychology April 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1111/1468-5922.12787 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAddiction arises from an archetypal search for transcendence that can be channeled through substances or behaviors, but in contemporary society many individuals seek only to soothe discomfort rather than achieve genuine self-regulation. The paper integrates analytical psychology and neurobiology to argue that empathic relationships, which integrate right and left brain hemispheres and connect non-verbal experiences with language, are crucial for self-regulation and individuation. The COVID-19 pandemic has made real encounters a source of anguish, yet investing in the quality of interactions is essential for preventing and treating addictions, including behavioral addictions where discerning use, abuse, and dependence remains difficult.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Altered states of consciousness |
| Keywords | Analytische psychologie Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19-pandemie Covid-19大流行 Neurobiologie |
| Key finding | Argues that empathic relationships integrating right and left hemispheres are key to self-regulation and that improving interaction quality is necessary to prevent and treat addictions. |
Abstract
This paper seeks to integrate the perspectives of analytical psychology and neurobiology in order to understand the phenomenon of addiction in contemporary society, taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic. Jung emphasizes the role of the psyche's self-regulation and the development of consciousness in the individuation process. The search for experiences of transcendence is archetypal and can be achieved by the use of some substances or behaviours and can contribute to individuation. However, in contemporary society, many individuals seek to restore internal balance through behaviours that merely soothe discomfort. The difficulty in discerning use, abuse, and dependence, particularly in the case of behavioural addictions, is discussed and neurobiological factors are presented. Empathic relationships play a key role in this process as they can promote the integration of the right and left hemispheres, integrating non-verbal experiences and language, contributing to self-regulation. Jung emphasizes the importance of real encounters in the transformation process. Currently, meetings have become a source of anguish. The author concludes that more than ever it is necessary to invest in the quality of the interactions to prevent and treat addictions.