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Ambivalence

Webster’s Dictionary defines ambivalence as “a state of having simultaneous conflicting reactions, beliefs, or feelings towards some object”. In other words, its when we have two different feelings or attitudes, about something or someone, at the same time. I believe this perfectly captures the central conflict at the center of addiction. The majority of individuals, who are struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder, simultaneously want to stop using while not wanting to stop using. For example, an individual may see the damage that his or her substance use is creating in his or her life, but may still feel as if there is a benefit to using. This benefit may be the pleasurable effects of the drug, social acceptance by peers who also engage in substance use, or he or she may use the substance in order to cope with depression, anxiety, or trauma. The goal of therapy is to help the individual resolve his or her ambivalence by examining both sides of this conflict, and helping him or her move closer to a reduction in or elimination of his or her substance use.