The Relationship between Attachment Types and Drug of Choice
A Cluster Analysis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21645799 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jürgen Fuchshuber (0009-0003-2932-9029, Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna), Henriette Löffler‐Stastka (0000-0001-8785-0435, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna), Henriette Löffler-Stastka (Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna), Human-Friedrich Unterrainer (0000-0002-4815-0214, Center for Integrative Addiction Research (CIAR), Grüner Kreis Society, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 1085-1089 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-07 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Substance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10826084.2025.2592873 |
| PMID | 41289419 |
| OpenAlex | W4416663909 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the differences between specific attachment patterns regarding the tendency to use certain substances in a large general population sample. Methods: A total sample of 616 German-speaking participants (61.9% female; Mean age = 30 years, SD = 9.53) was investigated with the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) and the WHO Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (WHO-ASSIST). Based on an initial cluster analysis of the AAS results, four attachment clusters were identified (secure, avoidant, anxious and disorganized). These groups were then compared in terms of their drug of choice. Results: Findings indicated several significant differences between attachment clusters. Specifically, disorganized attachment patterns showed increased tendencies regarding tranquilizers and opioid abuse compared to avoidant, anxious and secure attachment patterns. Discussion: Results underscore previous observations regarding the increased vulnerability of disorganized attached individuals in terms of problematic substance use and highlight its specific connection to sedative substances. Theoretical and clinical implications of this finding are discussed
Attachment theory · Drug · Insecure attachment · Population · Substance abuse · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
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Adult Romantic Attachment
Insecure Adult Attachment and Child Maltreatment
Childhood Trauma, Personality, and Substance Use Disorder
Adult attachment, working models, and relationship quality in dating couples
The relationship between adult attachment and mental health
A meta-analysis of longitudinal associations between substance use and interpersonal attachment security
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |