A Unified Theory of Addiction

Author:

Pretlow RobertORCID

Abstract

It is possible to imagine a universal cause for addictive behavior across many conditions and compulsions including addiction to alcohol, addiction to drugs, compulsive gambling, porn addiction, sex addiction, eating/food addiction, thrill-seeking, shopping addiction, trichotillomania, and other compulsive behaviors. This paper presents evidence that the universal source of addiction is the displacement mechanism, and that treatments that quiet this displacement should work with every addiction and compulsive behavior. Displacement behavior represents a bio-behavioral mechanism that essentially allows an animal to displace stress. Theoretically, the mechanism rechannels overflow mental energy built up by the brain’s attempt either to deal with or to avoid the stressful situation. The energy rechanneling occurs to another behavior or drive (e.g., grooming drive), typically whatever drive or behavior is the most readily available. Normally, the displacement mechanism is adaptive. However, in certain instances it may become harmful, particularly if the displacement occurs repetitively. For example, dogs and cats lick their fur for cleaning but also as displacement of stress. Repetitive licking may denude the hair and damage the underlying skin. Moreover, the brain may not select a healthy displacement behavior, e.g., a person getting intoxicated when stressed. An intervention based on the displacement mechanism and adaptable for any addiction has been developed, consisting of (1) helping the individual identify the problem (s) or stressor (s) that form the basis of the overflow mental energy, and (2) creating strategies to either avoid or effectively resolve these problems/stressors. For in-the-moment urges, the individual may purposely rechannel overflow brain energy to a non-harmful drive, e.g., deep breathing, to mitigate the urge, while the displacement source (s) is identified and dealt with. A clinical trial with this app treating eating addiction is in progress.

Publisher

Qeios Ltd

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