Self-deception as a mechanism for the maintenance of drug addiction

  1. José Miguel Martínez-González 1
  2. Raquel Vilar López 1
  3. Elisardo Becoña Iglesias 2
  4. Antonio Verdejo-García 1
  1. 1 Universidad de Granada
    info

    Universidad de Granada

    Granada, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04njjy449

  2. 2 Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
    info

    Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago de Compostela, España

    ROR https://ror.org/030eybx10

Journal:
Psicothema

ISSN: 0214-9915

Year of publication: 2016

Volume: 28

Issue: 1

Pages: 13-19

Type: Article

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Abstract

Background: This study was aimed at: (i) examining levels of self-deception in substance dependent individuals following addiction treatment, and (ii) examining the association between participants’ levels of self-deception and (a) personality disorders, (b) addiction-related beliefs, (c) duration of abstinence, and (d) estimates of craving. Method: We administered self-report questionnaires of self-deception and mixtification, and core beliefs related to addiction and craving. The sample comprised 79 outpatients who were consecutively recruited at the Centro Provincial de Drogodependencias in Granada: 87.3% were males and the mean age was 37.68 years old. Thirty-four percent of participants were diagnosed with comorbid personality disorders. Results: Results showed that individuals with substance dependence exhibit elevated scores of self-deception, particularly in the domains of active denial, selective amnesia, projection, and confabulation. Individuals with comorbid personality disorders display greater levels of self-deception compared to individuals without dual diagnosis. Conclusions: Moreover, there is a significant association between levels of self-deception and addiction-related beliefs and craving. In addition, there is a negative association between levels of self-deception and duration of abstinence.

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