Roberto Tykanori Kinoshita. The circuit of affects in drug addiction: an alternative explanation for the servitude to drugs. Interface (Botucatu). 2021; 25: e200787 https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.200787
Abstract
We present an alternative explanation for drug addiction, reflecting on the reasons that lead a person
to persevere in drug consumption despite knowing the harm that this consumption brings. Based
on the works by Humberto Maturana and on the theory of affects in Spinoza’s Ethics, we assume
that human beings are moved by passions and formulate the circuit of affects of drug addiction. In this circuit, we have identified three affective complexes: the singular personal complex, the relief/oblivion complex, and the psychosocial complex, which form a spiral dynamics of sad affects. Such affects impel the individual to continue in this dynamics, and drugs play only an accessory role. Affects from different origins characterize each affective complex and understanding their particular and specific features guides the corresponding care action, in order to interrupt the spiral dynamics of the circuit.
Access in: https://www.scielosp.org/pdf/icse/2021.v25/e200787/en
Keywords: Drug addiction. Mental health. Psychosocial care centers. Harm reduction. Innovation
in healthcare.
