Love Addiction
CONNECTION FOR THE WRONG REASON CAN SABOTAGE HAPPINESS
CONNECTION FOR THE WRONG REASON CAN SABOTAGE HAPPINESS
Love addiction is a painful, compulsive disorder that negatively impacts the individual and often has root causes in childhood issues or past trauma.
Love addicts tend to become involved in brief, intense romantic relationships. If they are involved in a long-term relationship, it is usually characterized by many highs and lows. In some cases, love addicts completely withdraw from romantic or sexual relationships to avoid feelings of vulnerability.
Love addicts tend to focus a tremendous amount of energy on romantic relationships — whether they are involved in one, looking for the next one, or avoiding one altogether.
The causes of love addiction are rooted in childhood trauma. Individuals lacking self-esteem or who had less-than-nurturing childhoods may grow up looking for constant reassurance from others. Relationship addicts also tend to enjoy the feeling of excitement that being “in love” brings.
Women who are addicted to relationships may have low self-esteem and require an outside source to feel better. Some don’t know how to “be themselves” and may use compulsive behavior like indiscriminate sexual activity to feel better.
Love addiction is often rooted in a person’s childhood; treatment often involves exploration into early childhood issues and their relationship to current destructive behavior patterns.
Love addiction is a painful, compulsive disorder that has a negative impact. Willow House at the Meadows helps our patients to overcome root issues and take steps towards experiencing healthy, fulfilling relationships. It is not uncommon for women to experience relationship addiction. The good news? We’re here to help.