Attachment style, self-esteem and manifest anxiety in patients undergoing treatment for opiate addiction

Abstract

Background: Insecure attachment is usually connected with lower self-esteem or with higher manifest anxiety, and can be a risk factor in those facing a variety of emotional problems, including problems associated with substance abuse. Aim of the present study is to examine the most frequent attachment style, and the level of manifest anxiety and self-esteem in patients undergoing treatment for opiate addiction compared with individuals who have no form of addiction. Methods: The sample included 47 (61%) male and 30 (39%) female, opiate addicts; they were at least 18 years old, with a mean age of 22.82 years (min. 18; max. 27; SD = 2.25 yr) and 77 mentally healthy controls, who were examined with the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI), Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS). Comparison between the two groups focused on the percentages recorded for the various attachment styles found in each group, and the Chi-Square test was used to assess the significance of the divergences between those attachment styles in the two groups. The mean values recorded for self-esteem and manifest anxiety in the two groups were compared too, by applying the t-test. Results: The results indicate a more secure attachment style in the healthy individuals and a more fearful form of attachment in opiate-addicted individuals. The result of the present study indicated that opiate addicts are less confident and more anxious. Conclusion: Fearful attachment, low self-esteem and high manifest anxiety proved to be more frequent in opiate addicts.