Examining the concept of object in substance addiction through psychoanalytic theory: A case report

The aim of this study is to examine the concept of the object formed in the spirituality of the individuals with a history of substance addiction based on the relationship they have with the first caregivers/objects. It is tried to be understood the place of the substance in the psychoanalytic structure by considering both addicted individual's relationship with his environment and the way they perceive themselves. The problems related to addiction are discussed by making benefit of psychoanalytic theory's views on object relations and object concept. The study was conducted in the form of clinical interviews with a participant who is over 18, had stopped using substance, and is in the treatment phase now. A total of nine interviews were conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. The contents of the interviews were examined by thematic discourse analysis. As a result of the analysis performed after interviews, it was seen that the relationship between the case and the family was not sufficient to provide enough mental tranquility and that their parents evaluated his feelings towards them negatively. It was thought that the substance, which was started to be used through the social circle outside of the parents' interest and intervention, is served as an object to cover the deficiency that should have a place in the case's spirituality. It was seen that the case had taken positive steps in his own life based on the relationship he had established with his wife. Keywords: Substance Addicted, Object, Object Relations, Psychoanalysis, Lacan, Discourse Analysis