Love Addiction

Love addiction, also called relationship addiction, is characterized as being overwhelmed by a desire for another person to the detriment of other aspects of life (work, school, or family). Those who are love addicted become captivated with the feelings of romance, intensity, and sexual desire that tend to develop at the beginning of a romance. Love addicts have difficulty moving through more profound levels of intimacy and often leave a relationship after the “honeymoon stage.”

The love addicted tend to attach their reality to their lover's identity, basing their self-worth on their lover's reactions.  They may have difficulty finding their individuality and act without boundaries. Consequently, they swing from extremes, being overly needy and then engaging in needless/wantless behaviors.

Individuals suffering from love addiction may have affairs with unavailable partners (people who are married, for example) or have inappropriate relationships with others. Some will conduct several love affairs simultaneously to ensure the continuation of the euphoric high that romance offers.