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Treatment Of Alcoholism And Other Addictions (1987)

Treatment Of Alcoholism And Other Addictions (1987)

Jerome D. Levin

Year: 1987
Authors: Jerome D. Levin
Publishers: Jason Aronson, Incorporated
Pages: 456
Print type: BOOK

Description:

This comprehensive volume provides a solid understanding of the inner world of alcoholism, the dynamics of this disorder, and a range of therapeutic interventions to improve the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating alcoholic patients. Levin's approach to the treatment of alcoholism serves as a model for the therapy of other addictions as well. He draws on material from across the sciences, along with the basic principles of psychoanalysis, focusing on the concepts of transference, countertransference, therapeutic alliance, resistance, and internalization and their application to the psychodynamic treatment of individuals involved in self-help programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The emphasis is basically on the self psychology developed by Heinz Kohut and his followers. This is a developmental view that considers alcoholism a disorder of self- a form of self-pathology, the essential characteristic being compulsiveness. The disorder is seen in terms of ego and self-deficits stemming from failure in internalization of the functions performed by the idealized self-object. A regression to, or a fixation at, pathological narcissism results. The addict attempts to self-medicate this deficit so as not to appear dependent on others. This accounts for the dependency conflicts that are so evident in alcoholics and other addicts. What must be internalized in not alcohol but the capacity to perform the functions of alcohol. This process of replacement is the thrust of the therapy. Alcoholism and substance abuse result in pervasive damage to the individual's physical, mental, and spiritual existence and have drastic consequences to their families and to society at large. This book is a major step toward meeting the critical need and demand for effective treatment. -- from Book Jacket.