The following are the definitions of attachment styles.  These styles are often used to help clinicians conceptualize client's issues. 

Secure Attachment – Strongest type of attachment. Knowing one can depend on parent, provider or partner. Knowing important individuals will be there when support is needed. Knowing what to expect; consistency of reaction.

Avoidant Attachment – Not secure. Avoidant individuals have learned that depending on others will not get them the secure feeling that they want so they learn to withdraw from asking or needing and learn to take care of themselves.

Ambivalent Attachment – Ambivalence ( not being completely sure of something) is another way an individual may be insecurely attached to significant others or parents. Those who are considered ambivalent have learned that sometimes needs, emotional and otherwise may be met and sometimes they are not. These individuals will continually seek that secure connection feeling that they receive intermittently.

Disorganized Attachment – Disorganized individuals do not know what to expect from others. Disorganized attachments exist mainly with parents and organized attachments are found with others. This means individuals have learned ways to get what they need even if it is not the best way. As a child this individual learns how to predict how parents will react to certain situations and learn to share with their parents what their parents will react to positively and go to others when they know it might be a negative reaction. Disorganized attachment individuals also become skilled in how to interact with their parents to get the reaction they want.

Labels: Attachment Theory, Attachment Theory and Addiction Treatment