Love Addiction
What Is Love Addiction?
Love addiction is an attachment disorder in which a person becomes dependent on the attention of a romantic partner. Those affected often suffer from cripplingly low self-esteem and believe that they are worthless if they are not in a relationship. They may tolerate harmful behavior from their partner, as they believe that is all they deserve and it is preferable to being on their own.
People addicted to love tend to attract love-avoidant partners because both individuals have a fear of being abandoned and controlled. Love-avoidant individuals are also emotionally unavailable individuals. Avoidant partners are afraid of being smothered by their addicted partners, and they are afraid to show their true emotions.
This is why they tend to enter into relationships with people who lack emotional boundaries or have difficulty thinking for themselves. When someone addicted to love and a love-avoidant person get together, their relationship can trigger feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, chaos and dependency. This type of relationship is often rooted in childhood trauma.
Common Signs and Side Effects of Love Addiction
- Constant searching for new romantic partners
- Difficulty spending time alone
- Using sex to keep a partner interested
- Consistently picking partners who are abusive
- Frequently starting relationships with emotionally unavailable people
- Avoiding friends and family members to pursue romantic relationships
- Confusing sex with love
- Feelings of desperation when not in a relationship
- Unhappiness in romantic relationships
- Avoiding relationships for long periods of time
- Constant cycle of whirlwind relationships
- Difficulty leaving bad relationships
- Returning to abusive or emotionally unavailable partners
Without appropriate treatment, love addiction may have physical consequences, since it often leads to unhealthy behavior patterns, including:
- Engaging in risky sexual behaviors to maintain the interest of an avoidant partner.
- Unexplained physical pain.
- Unhealthy habits to cope with emotional pain.
- Other addictions (sex, drugs, alcohol).
If you can relate to any of the above symptoms or behaviors, it may be time to consider therapy.
I can help you address the symptoms of your addiction and the related areas of impaired functioning, and together we’ll structure the time and content of your ongoing recovery.
I believe that there are many paths to successful recovery that will work with your goals and desires, and ensure you can make the life changes you want to make. Contact me today for a free consultation.
