Problem
"Hi. I'm John, and I'm an addict."
While this might be a cliché attributed to a well-known addiction program, it is true that the first step in treating an addiction is admitting there is a problem. This might seem easy for most, but it is a major acknowledgment for an addict. Addictions serve a purpose in someone's life, and working to change the addiction means letting go of that purpose. People often hold on to addictions by means of defense mechanisms.
Defense mechanisms are a long-standing part of psychology stemming back to the early work of Sigmund Freud. Although many aspects of Freud's early theories are not a part of modern clinical practice, defense mechanisms are a part of the current vernacular, including addiction treatment. Therefore, understanding defense mechanisms is an important step in providing effective treatment.
Project
2- to 4-page paper that includes the following:
• A brief description of two defense mechanisms from the Learning Resources
• An explanation of how each defense mechanism you chose might impact behavior
• A description of how each defense mechanism might affect treatment processes, and an explanation of why
• A description of which stage of change in treatment processes each defense mechanism might manifest in behavior
o An explanation of why
o Provide one or two strategies for mitigating them
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.