Most people seeking long-term intimate relationships will experience the neurochemical rush that accompanies being romantically attached to someone new.
At the early stages in a relationship, we may be thoroughly fixated on the other person and his or her daily activities. All thoughts appear to revolve around the other person’s very existence.
Most people, though, understand that healthy romantic relationships evolve into somewhat less thrilling but more meaningful intimacy. The initial rush of romance is just a temporary stage.
Love addicts, however, seek to extend this exhilarating surge of brain chemicals perpetually. Love addiction is diagnosed by a love/sex addiction specialist or healthcare professional in the same essential ways as other addictions.
What are the Signs of Love Addiction?
- An enduring (six months or more) preoccupation to the point of obsession with romantic fantasies and new relationships
- An inability to control romantic fantasies and new relationships
- Negative consequences directly and indirectly caused by out-of-control romantic fantasies and serial relationships.
