Alcoholics Anonymous: A Vehicle for Achieving Capacity for Secure Attachment Relationships and Adaptive Affect Regulation

Abstract

This paper examines similarities between the empirically based concepts of attachment theory and the principles and philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is argued that AA can function as a caregiving system, a vehicle for neurobiological restructuring and developing the capacity for affect regulation, self-reflection and mentalization. Attachment-focused interventions as well as an understanding of how AA works can be instrumental for clinicians in making appropriate referrals to 12-step programs. Composite case material, in the form of vignettes, illustrates how participation in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous can help create the capacity for secure attachment relationships and adaptive affect regulation.

KEYWORDS:

• addiction treatment
• affect regulation
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• attachment theory
• self-help groups
• substance abuse

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.