Positive Affect a Trigger with Addiction

In my psychotherapy practice I work with many patients needing help with substance abuse problems and sex addiction. The vulnerability towards problematic drug or alcohol use or to sexually “act out” (ex. anonymous sex, hours of internet pornography, phone sex, chatrooms, sex clubs etc.) when there is a loss, a difficult day or uncomfortable emotions is familiar ground. Somewhat underestimated is the enormous challenge for many with “good feelings,” accomplishments, success and their links to drug abuse or problematic sexual acts. 

Patients expect setbacks, loss and negative affect to be formidable threats to relapse or moderation boundaries, and are prepared for this. Positive experiences, sensations and even feeling connected to another on the other hand, are often underestimated in how they can lead to problematic behavior. For many there’s less experience with how to digest and integrate such emotions and experiences, and patients may be powerfully drawn to drug use or set of problematic sexual behaviors. 
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In treatment we can examine the range of bodily sensations and pulls of a craving borne out of positive affects. What we think of as positive emotional states may have well established links to compulsive behavior and substances as a means to unconsciously regulate ones affective state.