Sometimes, as I’ve been explaining ideas from the new addictions book to students and colleagues (see link at right for more info about the book), I have been challenged on my theory that childhood experiences such as trauma and neglect are the main causes of the later development of addictions in adolescence. After all, the psychology professions are mostly concerned with biochemical and genetic factors at the moment. (Psychology is preoccupied by such factors as it tries to gain credibilty by shapeshifting into a branch of medicine.)
If only I had a mainstream set of studies to support my theory…
Today in my online news I found two articles (here and here) supporting my theory from researchers at Yale (and how much more mainstream can you get than Yale?). Let me quote one of the studies directly:
After conducting an analysis of more than 140 research studies from across the basic and clinical neurosciences, including many conducted at Yale, the researchers concluded that substance use disorders in fact constitute neurodevelopmental disorders.
How nice for me to be on the same page as the mainstream. It’s such an unusual experience. I’m savoring it.
If conference themes are any indication you are now officially mainstream. This years western canadian conference on addictions and mental health seemed to focus on the link between early trauma and mental health/addiction. In December, Bessell van der Kolk and John Brier(sp?)are leading a three day workshop that, if their propaganda is accurate, also focuses on trauma/mental illness/addiction links… and body based therapies.
Site looks awesome btw, even in IE