Attachment Basics
What is "attachment"?
The emotional bond we form with caregivers that shapes how we connect, trust, and regulate emotions.
This style fears rejection and seeks constant reassurance.
Anxious (Preoccupied)
How can addiction act like an attachment?
It becomes a “secure base” for comfort when human connection feels unsafe.
What’s an “attachment trigger”?
A situation that activates fear of rejection, abandonment, or loss of control.
True or False: Secure attachment means depending on others for everything.
False — it means balanced interdependence.
What does “secure attachment” look like?
Comfort with both closeness and independence; trust and emotional balance.
This style values independence and minimizes emotions.
Avoidant (Dismissive)
What might an anxious style look like in recovery?
Needing reassurance, people-pleasing, or fearing rejection from peers or therapist
When someone doesn’t reply to a message and you panic, what’s likely triggered?
Anxious attachment insecurity.
What helps anxious types move toward security?
Self-soothing, trusting consistency, and expressing needs clearly.
What early experiences influence our attachment style?
The consistency, safety, and emotional availability of caregivers.
This style both fears and desires closeness.
Disorganized (Fearful-Avoidant)
How might avoidant attachment show up in recovery?
Withdrawing from support, minimizing needs, or struggling to ask for help.
When you feel smothered and withdraw from others, what’s happening?
Avoidant attachment response.
What helps avoidant types move toward security?
Allowing vulnerability and practicing asking for support.
True or False: Attachment styles never change.
False — they can change through insight, healing, and healthy relationships.
This style trusts others and communicates needs openly.
Secure
What is one way group therapy supports attachment healing?
Provides consistent, safe, and nonjudgmental relationships that rebuild trust.
What’s one grounding skill to use during attachment triggers?
Deep breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, self-talk, or journaling.
What helps disorganized types move toward security?
Creating predictability, grounding the body, and building safe connections slowly.
What part of recovery work helps rewire attachment patterns?
Building safe, consistent relationships with self, peers, and supports.
This style often forms after trauma and can cause push-pull behavior.
Disorganized
What attachment behaviors can increase relapse risk?
Avoidance of support, isolation, emotional suppression, or unstable relationships.
Name one secure coping response to a relationship rupture.
Communicate calmly, seek repair, validate feelings, or set a healthy boundary.
What are 3 traits of secure attachment you can practice in recovery?
Emotional honesty, boundary-setting, and consistent self-care.