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The double bind of addiction is an emotionally distressing dilemma in communication in which an individual (or group) receives two or more conflicting messages, and one message negates the other. This creates a situation in which a successful response to one message results in a failed response to the other (and vice versa), so that the person will automatically be wrong regardless of response. The double bind of addiction occurs when the person cannot confront the inherent dilemma, and therefore can neither resolve it nor opt out of the situation. This we begin looking at as denial in the 12 steps of AA.
What is the double bind of addiction
Paul Watzlawick has presented this concept of the double bind of addiction in his tape-book An Anthology of Human Communication in relationship to marital and family conjoint therapy. A double bind is simply two contradictory forces working on an individual. On examination, the inconsistencies are quite apparent. For example, addicted people want help and advice from others, but set up their own conditions and reject the advice offered. Or they want and need structure and controls imposed on them, yet fight vigorously against them. They want help desperately, but will thoroughly disguise their way of communicating this need. They will work hard to get others to accept dependent people, yet resist the acceptance of their own dependency.
The double bind of addiction concept is not too different from L.A. Festinger’s theory of cognitive-dissonance. According to this theory, when there is disagreement between two elements of cognition or between elements of cognition and behaviour, the person will alter the situation in the direction of congruence. Addicted people, unable to resolve their problems because of the double binds, tunnel vision dilemma or the right-or-wrong straightjacket myth, build tension or anxiety which is typically resolved, not through changing attitudes, beliefs or biases, but through alcohol and other drugs.
The disease of addiction directly affects millions of people and indirectly drains vitality from the whole society. Addicted people are difficult to reach in the first place and treatment presents complicated problems. The double bind of addiction complicates things further. But progress is being made toward understanding the complex nature of the disease. It is now possible to diagnose dependency with a good degree of accuracy and effective programmes for rehabilitation are being developed. With understanding and help the addicted person can break out of the rigid and stereotyped pattern of self-destructive behaviour and truly live again.
A double bind of addiction generally includes different levels of abstraction in the order of messages and these messages can either be stated explicitly or implicitly within the context of the situation, or they can be conveyed by tone of voice or body language. Further complications arise when frequent double binds are part of an ongoing relationship to which the person or group is committed. Double binds also occur in our relationships at work. A strong signal that you are entering such territory is when you feel a knot in your stomach. Here is an example. Something happened – either between you and a manager, in a meeting, or elsewhere – which makes you feel uneasy.
Examining the situation in detail, you find that you have been placed in a position where, whatever you do, you are bound to lose. Some people even put themselves in double binds. For example, they use 50% of their energy thinking of a positive way forward in their lives.
They then employ the other 50% knocking it down by worrying about what can go wrong. Confusing? Yes, but some people experience this inner dialogue. This becomes debilitating. When it comes to double binds of addiction it makes things even more confusing. What we really need to do to beat this situation is to get out of our own way.
To find out more about the double bind of addiction, or drug rehab treatment contact Pathways Plett rehab Centre. Email info@pathwaysplettrehab.co.za