ABSTRACT
For Lacanian psychoanalysis, neurosis, perversion, and phobia are the rule rather than the exception, as most of us are neurotic by virtue of our relationship to the symbolic order. Addiction becomes in this sense a fundamental aspect of most human existence—a more or less existential condition. All neurotic human beings are arguably addicts in a way ontologically prior to having settled into a particular neurotic structure. This chapter demonstrates more clearly the meaning of this claim, and explores some of its theoretical and clinical ramifications, bringing Lacan and Kierkegaard into dialogue with each other, as well as with some aspects of current clinical culture around the notion of addiction. The addict one sees in psychotherapy is rarely interested in quitting their substance when they are sober. This is admittedly a counter-intuitive view. The addict is allowed the redemptive feeling of coming down and returning to the law whenever they want it, day or night, and no substance is necessary.
