Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part explores the Freudian literature to produce elements or foundation stones for a classic psychoanalytic theory on addiction by analysing the excavated material. It analyses the reduction of the Freudian field in order to produce new foundation stones for a theory on addiction by confronting the reduced elements with each other. The confrontation between the earlier drive-theory and the later ego psychology theory did not, interestingly enough, lead to a synthesis of the two into a higher order of thinking on addiction. A reading of the post-Freudian literature shows that it is possible to distinguish between different periods in psychoanalytic thinking about addiction. These are periods in which certain aspects and concepts of Sigmund Freud's theory dominate over others in order to explain addiction in relatively simple terms. A compilation and review of the psychoanalytic material on addiction is rather problematic.