The complex question of whether bonding is a risk factor for addiction stems from research people have done that looks at how environment impacts a person later in life. Environment includes family, community, and any social groups or institutions to which a person belongs. Some people have a connection to an environment that is healthy while others do not. The lack of bonding cannot be dismissed as a risk factor for addiction, but the reasons may vary person to person.
Complexity of Addiction
The idea lack of bonding may be at the root cause of addiction is intriguing and gets people thinking about what really impacts the way people grow and develop. If people are happy and well-bonded to their caregivers early on, there is less likelihood of them falling into the trap of addiction. This does not explain people from whom their parents were well-connected, they had a large social circle, served in the community and were pretty well-adjusted overall. Addiction is non-discriminating in that sense.
Role of Chemicals
Drugs and chemicals have little to do with addiction. The changes in the brain are quite significant and cannot be ignored by limiting it to the view that social bonding is the only reason people become addicted. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that are produced to carry signals between neurons. These signals cause different reactions depending on the pathways. Environment is likely a factor, but it is not the only factor to consider.
Reconnection
Part of the journey of recovery is reconnecting with the self, family, friends, and community. Addiction takes a person out of everything they know and creates a bubble. Once it bursts, it needs to change and become something entirely different altogether. When a person is in recovery, they are able to look at all the factors affecting their addiction. Reconnection is about rebuilding a person’s life and connection to those they love. Bonding and connecting is hugely important in recovery, but it may mean making new friends and letting go of toxic relationships to rebuild a more positive community supportive of sobriety. It is far more complex than just bonding and connecting, it takes a holistic approach to support a person in recovery from addiction. Just as it took a lot of factors to lead up to addiction, it will take many more to help make the shift into recovery.
The Springboard Center’s addiction treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of each client. By utilizing a set of diverse methods of addiction treatment, we are able to deal with your addiction from all angles and concentrate on every aspect of your healing process. It is important to recognize that many of our services offer a group setting and environment, so that the client spends time with other people affected by the same chronic disease and problems. 432-620-0255
