In class, we have watched two different episodes of "Intervention", each featuring an alcoholic who had suffered emotional and/or physical trauma in the past. As part of their own traumatic experiences, both addicts had been in situations in which they were helpless and were defenseless against the abuse that they faced. In both cases, the addict seemed to know what she was doing was detrimental to herself and often those around her, but still kept on drinking and continuing a self-destructive cycle. In addition, both Jill and Laney initially drank to escape their unresolved problems, but ultimately ended up as addicts.
In both cases, the addicts did not seem to want help from their family and/or professionals, and grew hostile towards those who were trying to help them, especially in Laney's case. I was wondering about what caused them to act this way towards improving their lives, and I initially came up with ideas about learned helpless and cognitive dissonance causing them to resist help. However, I also started to think that there were some other factors present make these people act so defensively, even though they knew they were doing the wrong thing for themselves. Does anyone have any thoughts about what could be a possible cause of this pattern of behavior?
In my opinion I think that both Laney and Jill act this way because both experience traumatic moments. In those traumatic moments they felt like they were alone and had to face these problems by themselves, or perhaps they feel like they did it all themselves. In both cases though, it could be that Jill and Laney have made themselves believe that they can handle these tough situations like they did before, and that they don't need help which is the reason for acting defensively.
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ReplyDeleteI think the reason they acted so hostile is because they didn't want others commenting on their lifestyles or choices, especially those who weren't there for them before. In Jill's case, she didn't believe her mother really loved or cared for her, and so she became defensive when her mom tried to help her and point out her problems. In Laney's case, her entire family was only there for her when it was convenient, and so she didn't believe they had a right to tell her what or what not to do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Jose and Leena. I think that because the people who should have been there for them during their adolescence weren't, they lost all trust in others. They don't want to rely on anyone else because they feel that as soon as they do, it will come back to bite them, and they will get hurt once again.
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