Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder in Substance Use Disorder: The Role of Trauma and Attachment Styles in Mediating and Moderating Mechanisms

This study suggests that ASAD is not merely a comorbid condition in SUD but a important emotional regulation mechanism associated with the maintenance of addiction. The results support the parallel risk model in which emotional neglect appears to be independently associated with ASAD risk. Clinically, interventions that focus solely on reducing substance use may be insufficient; instead, therapies that enhance secure attachment skills and emotional regulation processes may be crucial to improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of relapse.