Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Hiebler-Ragger, M.
The Role of Attachment in Substance Use Disorders: A Neuro-Evolutionary Perspective
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2018. pp.141.
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Kapfhammer Hans-Peter
- Unterrainer Human-Friedrich
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- Abstract:
- Including social, occupational, mental and physical problems, Substance Use Disorders represent a worldwide epidemic with extensive costs to the individual and to society. Most prominently described as an “Attachment Disorder”, they have been linked to various impairments in self-regulation and social functioning. However, while there have been significant advances in the development and validation of treatment strategies for Substance Use Disorders in the last decades, the parameters for the success of these approaches have yet to be fully explored. Especially the characteristics and treatment requirements connected to Poly Drug Use Disorders need to be addressed in more detail, as this diagnosis is highly common in individuals seeking treatment, while simultaneously being associated with poor treatment success. The original research presented in this thesis aimed at further exploring the relevance of attachment and related parameters in Poly Drug Use Disorder and its treatment by applying a neuro-evolutionary perspective. This perspective offers a conceptual common ground for the integration of biological, psychological and social/environmental theories and findings. In detail, the seven studies build on this understanding investigated connections between attachment, personality structure, primary and higher emotions (including spirituality) as well as structural and functional neural parameters. The results not only support the conceptualization of Substance Use Disorders as “Attachment Disorders” on a behavioural as well as on a neural level, but also highlight the importance of an integrated bio-psycho-social approach in this research area. Especially the influence of attachment-based interventions on emotion regulation abilities and the potentially related neuroplasticity should consequently be explored in future studies.