The Course of Drug Dependence Related to a Theory of Guilt Awareness and Guilt Feeling

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual model for the understanding of drug abuse or drug dependence in youngsters. In this theory drug abuse in interpreted as a reaction to guilt awareness (guilt consciousness) and guilt feeling, defined thusly: Guilt awareness (guilt consciousness) is the emotion a man experiences when he believes that he is guilty, whether this is true or not. Guilt feeling is the emotion a man experiences when he believes that he lacks some of his human dignity or some of his humanity. The conceptual model is presented in an abbreviated fashion and with special emphasis on the course of drug dependence. It is illustrated by some clinical examples and is discussed in relation to some literature.