Attachment and Addiction: Insights with Dr. Karen B. Walant
In a secure attachment there is this feeling that you are being held in by threads of relationships, that really you can relax inside the hammock, you can be swinging in the air, you can just feel comfortable, and that's a secure attachment.
Ever wondered how your early relationships shape your struggles with addiction? In this episode of 'Harm Reduction Radio - HAMS', host Kenneth Anderson sits down with Dr. Karen B. Walant, the brilliant mind behind 'Creating the Capacity for Attachment: Treating Addictions and the Alienated Self'. Dr. Walant dives into attachment theory, shedding light on how our childhood bonds—or lack thereof—can lead to addictive behaviors as we seek external comfort.
She highlights the crucial role of secure attachments in our formative years and the unfortunate reality of insecure attachments pushing us toward harmful substitutes. Dr. Walant doesn't stop there; she delves into the transformative power of group therapy and how it normalizes experiences of abuse, making recovery more relatable and achievable. Her clinical observations bring a fresh perspective on how relationships play a pivotal role in overcoming addiction.
But that's not all—Kenneth wraps up the episode with an eye-opening interview with a libertarian vice-presidential candidate discussing the colossal failure of the drug war. If you're looking for a podcast that combines expert insights with real-world applications, this episode is a must-listen. It’s perfect for anyone grappling with addiction, those in recovery, or even friends and family members wanting to understand the complex web of addiction and attachment.