A person in recovery wants to attend a social event with alcohol but is hesitant. What psychological conflict is this person experiencing?

The person in recovery is experiencing an Approach-Avoidance Conflict, which occurs when there are both positive and negative aspects associated with a single situation. In this case, the social event represents an approach opportunity, as it offers the chance to connect with friends and enjoy social interactions. However, the presence of alcohol introduces an element of avoidance, as the individual may fear relapse or the temptation to drink.

This conflict often leads to feelings of inner turmoil—on one hand, the individual desires the social experience, but on the other hand, they recognize the potential risks associated with being around alcohol. This duality is a key characteristic of Approach-Avoidance Conflicts, making it a fitting description of the psychological struggle faced by the person in recovery.

Other potential options do not capture the essence of the situation as clearly. Ambivalence refers to conflicting attitudes or feelings towards a situation but does not emphasize the aspect of actively wanting both to attend and to avoid the event due to its risks. Displacement involves redirecting emotions to a safer target, and cognitive dissonance pertains to the discomfort felt when holding two contradictory beliefs; neither of these options fully encapsulates the specific conflict inherent in attending the event with the risk of alcohol consumption.