Dual Diagnosis

The following intervention aims at exploring addiction from the perspective of Existential Analysis. Th e addict in recovery asks

him/herself fundamental questions about his existence, self, and meaning, ultimately revealing his lack of the feeling of life; as he

battles constantly between dependence and autonomy. Th is empirical study uses a mixed research method with a qualitative interview

and quantitative scales on addiction severity, interpersonal reactivity, existential functioning, and fundamental existential motivations

with a sample of adults in a short-term inpatient addiction rehabilitation program in Lebanon with multiple addictions. An overview

of the existential themes addictive patients are occupied with will be presented (e.g. what moves them, what are their suff erings, what

is their lack, what disturbs them, etc.) Th is is followed by other possible causes of addiction; in addition to identifi cation of possible

changes on an existential level that the addicts might show before and aft er the treatment. Finally, the intervention will conclude on

implications of the fi ndings of this study for treatment of addictive patients.