Examining the relationship between attachment styles, stress coping styles, and psychological resilience levels in adults seeking treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders

This relational survey study aims to examine the relationship between attachment styles, coping styles, and psychological resilience levels in adults seeking treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders. The study was conducted with 208 individuals who applied for treatment at an Alcohol and Substance Addiction Research, Treatment, and Education Center in Türkiye. Data were collected by a personal information form, the Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale, the Connor-Davidson Psychological Resilience Scale–Short Form, and the Coping with Stress Inventory. Percentages and means, student t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses were used in the analysis of data. According to the research findings, it was determined that individuals had high secure and anxious attachment scores, and moderate avoidant attachment scores. In addition, it was determined that the participants had moderate psychological resilience, but their ineffective coping with stress scores were high. A positive and significant relationship was found between secure attachment and psychological resilience in individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders. Similarly, a positive significant relationship was found between secure attachment and effectively coping with stress. Finally, it was determined that the most important variables predicting ineffective coping with stress were family relationships, psychological resilience, and avoidant attachment. Based on these findings, it can be said that improving family relationships, increasing psychological resilience, and educating and supporting parents to establish secure attachment relationships can be beneficial in order to protect individuals from substance abuse.