Interpersonal and abandonment issues in alcohol use, abuse and dependance

Abstract

Many psychological theories of alcohol use and dependency suggest that individuals drink alcohol to reduce negative emotion. However, existing theories are not adequate to fully explain the origins or the nature of that emotion. This paper emphasises the importance of interpersonal factors in alcohol problems. The effectiveness of treatments addressing these issues supports their relevance. Within the domain of interpersonal issues, this review addresses the role of loneliness and suggests a specific role for abandonment issues. A cognitive schema-focused model suggests that alcohol abuse may be characterised by the presence of pathological abandonment schemata. Schema theory would provide an explanation for how adverse early interpersonal experiences can have an influence on later functioning (particularly within relationships). Based largely on the eating disorder literature and similarities between these two disorders, it is hypothesised that the activation of such schemata leads to 'escape' behaviour (consumption of alcohol). It is also hypothesised that schema-relevant information (threats) will lead to escape behaviour only when they are processed at a preconscious level. The review concludes by discussing the need for alcohol research to investigate the role of abandonment schemata and preconscious processing of information relevant to these schemata. Research in this area could have important implications for the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependency.

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