Love addiction is a real problem for many people and can cause problems in a relationship that can lead to emotional problems and even divorce. Learning about the signs of love addiction can help you better understand the complexities of the disorder. Knowing this can help you recognize when they are in a toxic or abusive relationship and keep them safe.
The Ranch TN is a full-service mental health and addiction treatment center that welcomes anyone who is struggling with a love addiction. Our love addiction treatment program focuses on the self-destructive behaviors the illness creates and uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication to address these behaviors. You will work one-on-one with a professional therapist who will dive deep and uncover the real reasons behind the disorder and find new behaviors to replace the old ones.
What Are the Signs of Love Addiction?
There is some controversy over this disorder. Some people think that we all have some type of love addiction at some point in our lives. Others maintain that this disorder will cause emotional problems that can tear apart a relationship that is not normal. This has led to many people battling love addiction and finding themselves in unstable or toxic relationships.
Some of the signs of love addiction include:
- Needing to be in love
- Putting the romantic partner on a pedestal
- Obsessing over romantic interests
- Experiencing cravings, withdrawals, euphoria, and dependency on their partner
- Needing to fall in love often
- Seeking emotional comfort from a partner
- A complete inability to be alone
What causes love addiction? Researchers have found that people with a love addiction have low self-esteem or other underlying problems, such as childhood trauma. It is a way for them to deal with low self-worth or a lack of self-love. If they are sexually active, the chemicals released during sex can cause an intense attachment to their partner.
They use relationships to fill an emotional void. They feel love would bring excitement and value to their lives. This idealization and pedestalization of their partner can put undue stress on the relationship, cause poor emotional boundaries, and even end relationships.
If you feel your partner is struggling with a love addiction, they can enroll in a treatment program that focuses on the original reasons behind the illness.
Creating Healthy Relationship Boundaries
One way to treat love addiction is to learn how to create healthy relationship boundaries. These boundaries can include anything from setting limits on the amount of time you spend with someone to knowing when to disengage from a conversation or situation.
Here are a few tips on how to create healthy relationship boundaries:
Identify Your Needs and Limits
One of the first steps is to identify your needs and limits. Take time to understand them and limit any activities that don’t satisfy your needs. Learn to recognize your emotional boundaries while also respecting your partner’s emotional needs. Clearly define your boundaries with your partner and discuss why they are essential.
Communicate Clearly and Assertively
Communicating clearly is a learned skill that everyone can benefit from. People with love addiction need to practice active listening, be direct, specify what they mean, and use “I” statements when communicating with their partners. Don’t be afraid to say no when someone threatens your boundaries and communicate why they are necessary. Most of the time, they will understand and change their behaviors.
Reinforce Boundaries Consistently
When you create relationship boundaries, be sure to reinforce them consistently. Respond firmly but respectfully when someone crosses your boundary. Don’t apologize for your boundaries. They are valid and you don’t need to apologize for something that is important to you.
Enroll Today at The Ranch TN to Join Our Love Addiction Treatment Program
The Ranch TN supports Nashville residents who are struggling with love addiction and want help in building healthy relationship traits. When you first arrive at our discreet location near Nashville, we will perform a full health assessment to determine the best therapies and medication to ease symptoms and allow for true healing to begin. We have residential and outpatient treatment programs to support your full recovery from start to finish.
For more information about our love addiction treatment program, contact us using our online contact form or by calling 1.844.876.7680 today to speak with our compassionate and knowledgeable team.