Toxic Attachment

A Toxic Attachment' (a.k.a. an addiction) is a substance, behavioural, or relationshp dependency caused by the confluence of Toxic Socialization and Dopamine Attachment (Ratkovic & Sosteric, 2019). Under conditions of Chronic Toxicity, toxic Substance Attachments (a.k.a. substance addictions), Behavioural Attachments (a.k.a. behavioural addictions), and Relationship Attachments (i.e. co-dependency) can develop. Any substance, activity, or technology that can trigger a "dopamine hit" can cause a toxic attachment.

Syncretic Terms

Toxic Attachment > Addiction, Passion

List of Connection Obstacles

Connection Obstacles > Egotism, Fear, Hypocrisy, Interference, Passion, Resentment, Three Poisons, Toxic Attachment, Undisciplined Mind, Wrong Action, Wrong Environment, Wrong Thought

Notes

Toxic attachments may be active, inactive, or broken. An active attachment is an attachment which the individual currently attempts to service. An inactive attachment is an attachment that is controlled, but for which neurological vestiges remain. That is, individuals may "crave" especially during times of discomfort and distress. A broken attachment is an attachment that is unlearned and for which no neurological vestiges remain.

Toxic attachment is often identified in the spiritual literature as an obstacle to Connection. It is identified as "passion for transient objects"attachment to

Potentially "addictive" substances/activities -> Heroine, cocaine, running, shopping, Facebook/social media use, masturbation, sex, etc.

Chronic emotional and psychological anguish can make you susceptible to addiction. This is because addictive substances give your brain much needed "pleasure" fixes. When you lack the hugs, kisses, and positive nurturing support all humans desperately need, you find substances that can give you the "hits" your Physical Unit desperately needs.

Toxic attachment, (whether it is to alcohol, shopping, money, etc.) can control your thoughts and govern your daily actions. Addiction causes you, among other things, to waste psychological and emotional energy on Addiction Defenses.

We lose valuable time defending our addiction, that could be used for healing and connection and instead waste in on our addictive behaviors. We defend our addictions by covering it up, by spending valuable time “servicing” the addiction, etc. Addictions can also directly undermine your body’s ability to connect. You can’t be properly connected while stupefying yourself with alcohol.

Further Reading

Ley, David J. "No, Dopamine Is Not Addictive". 2017. Psychology Today. January 6 2017. <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-who-stray/201701/no-dopamine-is-not-addictive>.

Lightning Path Workbook Two: Healing. Lightning Path Press. https://www.patreon.com/posts/lp-workbooks-and-91290808, especially unit "A" is for Addiction.

Footnotes

References