Is Addiction an Attachment Disorder? — Dr Oliver Morgan

Video Description

Dr Morgan is a Professor of Counseling & Human Services at the University of Scranton, who has spent thirty years researching, teaching, and writing about mental health and addiction. He is the author of Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery, which provides a holistic, multidisciplinary framework for understanding and treating addictive processes. In this conversation, we explore: — The extent to which addiction can be viewed as an attachment disorder — The central paradox at the heart of addiction — Why addiction is a “jealous relationship” that crowds out most others — Why addictions localised within individual members can be thought of as “symptoms” of much wider societal problems. And more. You can get a copy of Dr Morgan’s book by going to https://bit.ly/oliver-addiction. --- Dr. Oliver Morgan is a distinguished Professor of Counseling & Human Services in the Panuska College of Professional Studies at the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA. With a diverse educational background, he holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, a Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy, and a doctoral degree in Pastoral Psychotherapy from Boston University. Dr. Morgan's expertise lies in the fields of addiction studies, marital and family counseling, and pastoral care. He has made significant contributions to the academic community through his teaching and publications. As a faculty member since 1990, he has taught various courses in undergraduate and graduate programs, shaping the curriculum in Addiction Studies and Marital and Family Counseling. Dr. Morgan also served as the Department Chair from 1997 to 2009. His publications include an acclaimed book titled "Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery: The Power of Connection," published in 2019 by W.W. Norton. Additionally, he has co-edited five books covering topics such as Addiction Studies, Catholic Intellectual Thought, and Counseling & Spirituality. Dr. Morgan has authored or co-authored numerous book chapters, proceedings, and peer-reviewed articles on subjects ranging from addiction and pastoral care to spirituality and clinical practice. Beyond his academic endeavors, Dr. Morgan has been involved in service and leadership activities both within the university and the wider community. He has held important roles in university-wide task forces focused on student lifestyles and corporate mission and identity. Furthermore, he co-founded a psychosocial oncology practice in Northeast Pennsylvania, offering support to cancer patients, their caregivers, and loved ones. Dr. Oliver Morgan's contributions to counseling, addiction studies, and his commitment to compassionate care have established him as a respected educator, researcher, and practitioner in the field of counseling and human services. --- Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:39 - Insights on Trauma and Addiction 14:07 - Traditional Models & Attachment 22:11 - Insecure Attachment & Vulnerability 30:17 - Addiction & Social Ecology 44:57 - Secure Attachments & Well-being 51:46 - Recommendations & Recovery --- 4 Books Dr Morgan Recommends for Every Therapist Should Read: — Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery: The Power of Connection — Oliver J. Morgan - https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393713176-addiction-attachment-trauma-and-recovery — In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction — Dr Gabor Maté - https://amzn.to/4125SLH — The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit — Bruce K. Alexander - https://amzn.to/46I1yp1 — Addiction and Spirituality: A Multidisciplinary Approach — Oliver J. Morgan - https://amzn.to/3JWpQBU