Relationship Addiction

A relationship addiction, or love addiction, describes an uncontrollable need to be in a romantic relationship. People with this disorder may be addicted to the other person in the relationship or to the feeling of being in love.

At the KeyStone Center Extended Care Unit (ECU), we help you uncover the root cause of co-dependency and addiction so that you can build healthy, lasting relationships. We draw on a variety of evidence-based treatments, including trauma-informed therapy and couples counseling, to help you heal.

What Are the Symptoms of a Love Addiction?

You may have a love addiction if you:

• Believe that you always need to be in love
• Continually break up and make up in a relationship
• Devote too much time and energy to the relationship
• Feel that your self-worth and self-esteem come from the relationship
• Gravitate toward partners who are physically, emotionally or sexually abusive
• Neglect other aspects of your life to focus on the relationship
• Tire quickly of partners once the initial “high” of the relationship is over

Can Love Addicts Have Healthy Relationships?

Yes. Everyone is capable and deserving of a healthy, lasting relationship. But the problematic behaviors of someone with a love addiction can be deeply destructive — both for the person with the condition and their partner.

It’s important to identify, understand and process the root cause of the disorder before you can have a relationship built on honesty, trust and respect. Only through intensive therapy and self-exploration can you change your thinking and behaviors.

What Causes Relationship Addiction?

Many issues may be at the root of a relationship addiction. Past abandonment or rejection by a parent, partner or other loved one can cause someone to obsessively pursue relationships. They may feel that a hyperfocus on the relationship can prevent future abandonment or rejection.

Some people have low self-esteem or feel inadequate due to childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect. They rely on relationships to feel valued and accepted. One partner (the person with a love addiction) feels an obsessive need to seek validation. Sometimes the other partner feels empowered by providing this validation, resulting in a co-dependent relationship.

Love addiction can occur alongside other disorders, such as an intimacy disorder, alcohol or substance use disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personality disorders.

Love Addiction Treatment: Why Choose KeyStone Center ECU?

At our relationship addiction recovery program for men, you’ll find:

• Personalized care: Our 1:1 patient-provider ratio means you receive individualized, attentive care. You have dedicated providers to guide you on your journey, including a recovery coach, spirituality coach, primary therapist and family therapist.
• Evidence-based therapies: Our comprehensive treatments include individual, group and family counseling. We also offer trauma-focused therapies such as art, drama and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
• Compassion and support: We provide a nonjudgmental environment where you can share your story and begin recovery. We help you understand that your disorder is a symptom of deeper emotional pain, not something to feel ashamed of.