
Alternati̇ve Psychologi̇Cal Approaches to Substance Use
Chapter from the book:
Çakar,
F.
&
Kaplan,
M.
(eds.)
2025.
Functional and Alternative Approaches in Health Sciences.
Synopsis
Substance addiction is a complex issue that affects not only the physical health of individuals but also their psychological, spiritual, and social well-being. Psychodynamic theories define addiction as the result of unconscious conflicts and childhood traumas, while existential perspectives interpret it as a search for meaning. Addiction is often linked to spiritual deficiency and internal dissatisfaction. Alternative approaches such as mindfulness, yoga, and spiritual support practices help individuals cope with stress and contribute to the treatment process. Art, music, and nature therapies enhance self-expression and support psychosocial recovery. Additionally, medical and plastic waste generated through substance use has been shown to cause significant and long-lasting environmental damage. This underscores the importance of addressing addiction not only from an individual perspective but also from social and ecological standpoints.