The Addiction as Dissociation Model (ADM) is introduced as a unifying framework that postulates addiction as a term describing “dissociation-in-trauma” and “addiction-in-trauma”. This model is philosophically rooted in Daoist concepts of mutual arising (or dependent origination in Buddhism) and the concept of ultimate reality. Mutual arising emphasizes that everything comes into being with its paired opposite, creating an interdependent relationship, while ultimate reality offers a global mindset that accepts “it is what it is,” fostering conflict resolution through acceptance.  

The ADM emerged from shared clinical work, diverse client presentations, academic insights, historical context, and personal addiction and recovery experiences. It integrates research on addiction memory akin to traumatic memory, the Theory of Structural Dissociation, and Trauma Spectrum, discerning that individuals can become addicted to trauma through dissociative means. Dissociation, in moments of trauma, is seen as a survival mechanism involving orientation to impending changes, recall of similar past moments, reflexive conditioned responses, and imprinting on attachment and nervous systems.  

A core hypothesis of the ADM is that addiction symptoms become traumatic and express symptoms of PTSD, including affect dysregulation, distress intolerance, reenactments, and personality splits. The model argues that current definitions of addiction are incomplete because they do not directly capture dissociative symptoms, thereby rendering diagnoses of trauma and dissociation also incomplete. The linear spectrum of diagnoses is challenged, with the ADM proposing a circular view with overlapping aspects, like connecting the ends of a color spectrum. This comprehensive understanding forms the basis for advocating recovery-informed care to prevent misinformation. The ADM provides an operational definition of addiction, supporting its transdiagnostic nature, similar to trauma and dissociation, as they represent a unified process where unconscious cognitive information or emotional energy transfers to conscious awareness, leading to profound breakthroughs.  

The ADM also introduces the concept of “positive pathology,” suggesting that addictions can extend beyond substances to include perfectionism, altruism, and ambition. These hidden addictions are viewed as the basis for dissociative rational subsets like co-dependents, abusers, enablers, rationalists, academics, elitists, racists, bigots, and globalists. The model asserts that any approach utilizing dual attention and relational dynamics, directly or indirectly performing memory reconsolidation, can leverage this operationalized definition of addiction. This comprehensive framework is disseminated through the “Path of the Wounded Healer,” a training program designed to share this living knowledge and wisdom.  

For more on our work and cause, consider following or signing up for newsletter or our work at woundedhealersinstitute.org or donating to our cause: HERE.

References

O’Brien, A. (2023a). Addiction as Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Addictive State. International University of Graduate Studies. (Dissertation). Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/courses/addiction-as-dissociation-model-course/

O’Brien, A. (2023b). Memory Reconsolidation in Psychedelics Therapy. In Path of the Wounded Healer: A Dissociative-Focused Phase Model for Normative and Pathological States of Consciousness: Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/courses/addiction-as-dissociation-model-course/

O’Brien, A. (2023c). Path of the Wounded Healer: A Dissociative-Focused Phase Model for Normative and Pathological States of Consciousness: Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/

O’Brien, A. (2024a). Healer and Healing: The re-education of the healer and healing professions as an advocation. Re-educational and Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/

O’Brien, A. (2024b). Path of the Wounded Healers for Thrivers: Perfectionism, Altruism, and Ambition Addictions; Re-education and training manual for Abusers, Activists, Batterers, Bullies, Enablers, Killers, Narcissists, Offenders, Parents, Perpetrators, and Warriors. Re-Education and Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/

O’Brien, A. (2025). American Made Addiction Recovery: a healer’s journey through professional recovery. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/