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The focus of this article is the relationship between addiction and symbolization. Addiction is manifested through the tendency to avoid painful situations. The problematic of mourning in addiction arises from/is informed by the necessity of symbolization of the object as a prerequisite for mourning for it. The work of mourning which is possible only if encountered with an object is complicated in the case of addiction due to the poorly-integrated, disappointing narcissistic object. The ground for separation and conflicts in life is prepared during the work of mourning.
Following the path of the mother who represents in the psychoanalytical work with addicts, the analyst, likewise, continues to be there despite all the destructive drives. As s/he continues to endure, s/he presents a setting for transformation in that almost an event of purification (detoxification) is brought about. In order for the addicts to give meaning to, represent and reconstruct their psyche, it is important that they symbolize the object of their addiction beforehand.
Photolanguage, an intermediary technique leading to symbolization, facilitates the transformation of the represents and the follow-up of the mentalization processes.
In this way, photograph whose function is evident in regressive, impulsive people with difficulty in self-expression and which renders the unspeakable speakable provides an “intermediary space” for us.