RESEARCH OF MECHANISMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTED PERSONS

Abstract

The article examines the system of mechanisms of psychological defense of alcoholic and drug addicts, reveals the features of the use of psychological defense by a person in conditions of alcohol or drug addiction and the dominant mechanisms that are used by the above persons. The aim of the work is to study the mechanisms of psychological protection of alcohol and drug addicts. Empirical research methods have been applied – Plutchik-Kellerman-Conte's questionnaire for diagnosing the mechanisms of psychological protection and a questionnaire according by V. Boyko for diagnosing the dominant strategy of psychological protection in communication.Having studied the mechanisms of psychological defense in alcohol and drug addicts, we can say that addicts actively use them both in addiction and during a course of resocialization or rehabilitation.The content of the work of a psychologist at different stages of a person's emotional reaction arising in the process of rehabilitation is important.Psychological support is required throughout the entire rehabilitation program.According to the results of the diagnostics of the mechanisms of psychological protection of alcohol and drug addicts (test «Diagnostics of the typologies of psychological protection» by R. Plutchik), we can say that people with addictive behavior actively use the mechanisms of psychological protection. At the last stage of addiction, gradually developing, three large defense mechanisms begin to play a big role in the life of such a person. Among them are denial, projection, rationalization. The longer the abuse of drugs or alcohol, the stronger the suffering. In the end, the addict becomes a victim of his own defense mechanisms.According to the results of diagnostics of the dominant strategy of psychological defense in communication by V. Boyko, aggression dominates among the strategies of psychological protection in communication. Key words: personality, addiction, denial, projection, rationalization, aggression, rehabilitation.