Pathological narcissism and addiction: A self-psychology perspective

Following Kohut's schema of self-psychology, addiction may be considered as a form of pathological narcissism. Narcissistic transferences stemming from an archaic and fragile self are frequently observed in the addictions. Such patients typically experience others as an extension of the self. A clinical example of the emergence of ‘mirror’ and ‘idealising’ transferences is presented with a patient who was dependent upon alcohol. Kohut's insights on narcissism provide an approach to both comprehension and therapeutic intervention in enabling such patients to develop a more cohesive self.