Abstract
This paper examines whether a displacement mechanism could serve as the basis for a unified theory of addiction. Displacement activity represents a bio-behavioral process that allows an animal to deal with stress. Theoretically, the displacement activity mechanism rechannels an overflow of motivational energy built up in the brain’s attempt to face or avoid a stressful situation. This energy is rechanneled to another drive (e.g., grooming); thus, the resulting behavior is out of context for the situation. Normally, this displacement mechanism is adaptive. However, it can become destructive, particularly if the displacement behavior is repetitive. For example, dogs and cats lick their fur to stay clean but also to displace stress. Repetitive licking may denude hair and damage the underlying skin. Similarly, in humans, the brain may not select a healthy displacement behavior; for example, a person may overeat or consume drugs to cope with stress. The displacement mechanism may be the link between stress and addiction and account for substance dependence. Furthermore, the displacement mechanism could explain the progression and perpetuation of addiction despite development of tolerance. An intervention based on the displacement mechanism, adaptable for any addiction, was developed. It involves 1) helping an individual identify problems/stressors that form the basis of surplus motivational energy and 2) implementing strategies to either avoid or resolve these problems/stressors. For sudden urges, an individual may willfully rechannel excess motivational energy to a benign behavior, such as taking deep breaths or squeezing the fists, to mitigate the urge while dealing with the source of displacement. A clinical trial using this intervention technique to treat eating addiction is currently underway. Trials on other addictions will be organized as well.