The psychological and emotional pain of the hungry ghost : an addiction practitioners’ perspective

Abstract

Addiction, as a concept, takes many forms and behaviors such as; work, internet and social media, sex, gambling and shopping, to mention a few. This study focused on illicit drug addiction from a psychological perspective, investigating the psychological and emotional causes of illicit drug addiction, principally, painful experiences in childhood. It looked into various psychological theories, particularly attachment theory, focusing on the concept of the ‘hungry ghost’ drawing from the philosophy of Buddhism. This theory explains how the insatiability, disconnectedness and dislocation from self and society resulting from negative childhood experiences may lead to drug use. The aim of the study was to explore whether lack of attachment and bonding, trauma, abuse and other negative experiences in childhood, may result in the onset of illicit drug use and abuse. It also examined the processes which help addicts in remission to remain clean and resilient as well as preventing relapse. These themes were explored from the perception of experienced practitioners working in the field of addiction. A qualitative approach was selected to undertake this small-scale study, consisting of semistructured, in-depth, face to face interviews with two psychologists, two community workers, two social/youth workers and two probation officers, working in different areas of illicit drug addiction. This research study revealed that psychological and emotional pain, resulting from past childhood traumatic experiences, is one of the primary causes of illicit drug addiction. Poor attachment and social bonding, familial dysfunction, as well as peer pressure and other high risk socio-economic environments constitute a risk for drug addiction. Ultimately, the research showed that with the assistance of qualified practitioners, the drug addicts may become aware, reflect and come to terms with the unresolved traumatic experiences they had in their childhood and learn the necessary skills to become resilient. In doing so, when they eventually go back into the community, they establish a healthy social support system based on trust and consistency and maintenance, that foster and maintain the resilience skills required to remain clean and prevent relapse.