When discussing addictions, the majority of people usually mention caffeine or smoking, but you can also become dependent on a romantic partner. Addiction is a medical condition that alters the chemistry of your brain. An addictive relationship is one in which you give your partner excessive amounts of attention while not giving yourself enough of it. Without their partner, a person in such a relationship feels empty or unhappy.
It may be a sign of addiction if you cannot function normally without a partner, rely on your romantic partner for contentment, or discover that your behavior is having a negative impact on your legal or social standing.
Who Develops a Relationship Addiction?
Even if the relationship was not the best for you, relationship addiction means that you cannot function without being in a romantic relationship.
Many times, those who struggle with this addiction are unaware of their self-harming tendencies. You might become aware of the condition because of a friend of a sudden trigger. Whenever that occurs, it’s critical to contact a counselor because abusive relationships can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health.
But being in need of love doesn’t always indicate addiction. In fact, several experts contend that because the psychological and chemical effects of addictive behaviors and love-based attachments are so comparable, it is highly probable that both depend on the same substrates.
What Are the Signs of Relationship Addiction?
Relationship addiction can initially resemble any other type of longing. It is not concerning to desire frequent or close sex with your partner. However, things start to get worrying when you observe the symptoms of relationship addiction:
- Being unable to leave a relationship despite recognizing warning signs
- Rushing into a new relationship’s commitment
- Panic and anxiety symptoms when contemplating breaking up with someone
- Being unable to maintain singledom
- Relying on sexual activity to get through relationship hiccups
- Having no life outside of a relationship
- Being excessively dependent and needy
- Instead of recognizing your partner’s flaws, you are blaming yourself
- Feeling unloved, worried, or down
- Codependence with a partner
It can be challenging to recover from relationship addiction. You might find it difficult to change your behavior if it stems from unresolved trauma on your own. Therefore, consulting a therapist can be necessary at times. The underlying issue will be located by a therapist, who will also address your thought processes.