Year
1997
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Department of Psychology
Recommended Citation
Epstein, Michelle Ava, Measurement of levels of narcissistic rage in methadone patients and the relationship between narcissistic rage and extracurricular drug use: a study of the psychodynamics of compulsive drug use, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, 1997. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/1668
Abstract
Leon Wurmser's (1974) formulation of the psychodynamics of compulsive drug use focuses on individuals with a core narcissistic disturbance, who are prone to suffering narcissistic crises, leading to narcissistic rage. If normal defense mechanisms prove ineffective, this rage may be expressed as hostility and aggression in order to force a change in the external situation. If these attempts also fail, individuals will be compelled to use mood-altering drugs as a means of regaining control over their internal state, thereby satisfying infantile needs for omnipotence.
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.