Adlerian Theory and Addiction

Theory of Human Behavior
The foundation of Adler’s human behavior theory rests in ten primary concepts with the first being holism. Holism, is essentially is the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. An individual cannot view single view single manifestations of one’s psyche as independent of one another (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). A person can gain insight into them only if he or she views and integrates all manifestations as part of an indivisible whole. The second concept is social embedednes. According to Adler, all individuals are socially embedded. We decline to acknowledge an individual who remains isolated (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). We can understand one’s personality once we see him in his context. Third is teology, which is the mysterious creative power of life (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). It is expressed or expresses itself rather after a goal of mind and body cooperating together. Next is phenomenology, which is the belief that one’s perception is their reality. Creativity, an individual is both the creator and his creation. An individual is not merely a product of his environment or his heredity; he is the creator in designing himself (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). Inferiority, according to Adler, is a trait that all individuals have (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). It is not the feeling of inferiority that matters; it is the extent and the character of it. Next on Adler’s list is compensation. Compensation creates comfort and guidance and assists the young with their accomplishments in the future (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). Adler’s next three concepts are striving for superiority, vertical striving, and level striving (Adlerian Grad School, 2007). These three are all about st...

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...s well which can assist in boosting self-esteem. The context of the group should be one goal attainment and positivity. This encourages members to commit to taking action in their lives. It is important that the group be focused on the here and now with members staying present. Although the group is concerned with a members past experiences and lifestyle of members, that is for the purpose of gaining insight into current maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. In addition, it is important to maintain an empathetic relationship which is based on mutual respect and trust so that members feel understood and accepted by the facilitator. The group leader challenges group member’s goals and beliefs about themselves and the world around them to help them to translate what was learned during the process of group and turn what was learned into new ideas and new beliefs.