<p> This study examines the role of the intuitive function in addiction recovery. Addictive behaviors create an internal state dominated by imbalanced instinctual drives. The psychological manifestations are obsessive thoughts, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, and a sense of isolation. This research explored how subtle unconscious influences like the intuitive function have a role in shifting this treacherous internal state. Intuition is a prominent spectrum function which bridges the unconscious and conscious by providing unexpected knowledge of unknown origins when none is consciously available, assesses potential of situations, and imparts understanding of how and when to carry out instinctual action (Jung, 1971/1976, 1948/1981a).</p><p> Field research was conducted through a qualitative, intuitive, phenomenological methodology. Twelve participants in recovery from alcoholism were asked through conversational interviews about their experience of intuition in sobriety. The participants claimed intuition initiated, sustained, and enhanced their sobriety. They were able to distinguish the intuitive function from the amplified state of need, obsessive thought, and angst. They reported synchronicities, dreams and intuitive influences were instrumental in the decision to stop drinking. In longer term recovery, the intuitive function was perceived when helping others, solving problems, learning self-care, and enhanced intuition was described as one of the biggest gifts of sobriety.</p><p> This research contributes to the field of psychotherapy by discovering the important role of the intuitive function in addiction recovery. Recognizing and helping patients cultivate intuition facilitates the apprehension of addictive behaviors. Working with unconscious functions such as intuition helps those considering sobriety, as well as those in sobriety, to establish a relationship with their unconscious other than one based on addictive patterns. Developing the intuitive function in recovery establishes a conscious relationship to the primary process beyond impulsivity and curbs instinctual impulsivity. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3613771 |
| Date | 16 April 2014 |
| Creators | Dakin, Cary Elizabeth |
| Publisher | Pacifica Graduate Institute |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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