Loneliness, isolation and alcohol addiction – phenomenological remarks

Abstract

Loneliness, isolation and alcohol addiction have complex relationship. This problem seems to be of importance for treatment and rehabilitation. In analysis of interviews based on descriptive phenomenology we use as a heuristic instrument two core characteristic features of the conscious experience of substance use, proposed by Messas – hyperpresentification and feelings of plenitude. According to literature review these seem to be an excellent conceptual framework for axial psychopathology of addictive disorders. Themes of isolation and loneliness frequently emerge during the interviews spontaneously or with little cues. Isolation is not always connected with subjective experience of loneliness, even sometimes an active desire to be isolated occurs. In some cases loneliness is predisposing factor, in other – perpetuating factor or result of this substance use disorder. Some patients share fear to stop using, because alcohol use facilitates communication. An exaggerated presentism leads to isolation and loneliness by cutting ties with past and with plans for a possible future. The state of plenitude negatively affects intersubjectivity, person is self-centred, residing in a simplified field of experience, where others are unnecessary, and complexity - unwanted. In the structure of experience of loneliness and isolation in people with alcohol use disorder the dialectic of anthropological proportions - hyperpresentification and plenitude, frequently plays significant role. If one takes in to account this, it would give opportunity to improved therapeutic interventions.