Episode 30: On the psychoanalysis of addictive disorders

In this episode of "Lives of the Unconscious," the podcast delves into the psychoanalytic perspective on addictive disorders, addressing societal reactions, diagnostic criteria, and the psychological functions that addiction serves. The episode highlights five key psychological functions: reducing tension, numbing negative feelings, longing for fusion, withdrawing to a safe space, and manifesting destructiveness. It explores the causes of addiction, often rooted in early experiences of powerlessness and damaged relationships, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. The discussion extends to the functionalizing relationships in society, such as those fostered by advertising and social media, and concludes by examining the challenges and dynamics within psychotherapy for addiction, emphasizing the importance of addressing relationship dynamics and the therapist's role in facilitating responsibility and genuine connection.