Love addiction may seem less harmful than some of the better-known addictions, but it shares many similarities with them. It may not directly damage one's health and finances in the same way as drug dependency for example, but it can undoubtedly wreak havoc with many areas of a sufferer's life. If they are seeking love addiction therapy Atlanta GA residents will find they have a number of options for dealing with this distressing disorder.
Many people are surprised at how common this condition is. It permeates all levels of society and is characterized by dysfunctional patterns of behavior pertaining to sexual and romantic relationships. These behavior patterns are rooted in dysfunctional emotional responses that are a source of huge stress and misery for sufferers. Their low levels of self-esteem lead to an inordinate amount of fear towards rejection, pain and the unknown. Compulsive sexual/romantic relationships are an unconscious way in which sufferers attempt to gain safety and approval.
This disorder, for the most part, originates in childhood trauma. Most sufferers have a history that includes serious issues such as abandonment, neglect, rejection and emotional, physical and sometimes sexual abuse. These kind of damaging experiences foster a wounded sense of self that can trigger a multitude of emotional problems.
This damaged sense of self causes sufferers immense difficulties when it comes to forming healthy relationships with other people. They tend to have trouble establishing boundaries, and can be excessively needy and dependent. Some sufferers can be manipulative, jealous, controlling and possessive, even to the point of violence.
People with this disorder will tend to exhibit certain pathologies in their relationships. Things like difficulty staying single for any length of time, anxiety about being single, tolerating abusive relationships, sabotaging relationships, sabotaging their reputation (by unwisely pursuing unsuitable potential partners) and ruining their finances, are just a handful of the kind of problems that sufferers create for themselves.
A serious issue for a lot of sufferers is the effect their disorder has on other key aspects of their lives. Their work lives often suffer when their attention and energy is expended on sexual/romantic adventures. Their relationship with close family members and friends can also suffer from the same neglect. Difficulties can also develop when family and friends recognize the problem and their efforts to help create conflict.
Overcoming these and other addictive behavior patterns can certainly be a challenge. There are however effective therapies that enable patients to move beyond them. Cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve-step support groups and individual counseling are three proven ways in which patients can begin changing what are often very entrenched negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Regardless of the kind of treatment patients engage in, they will generally be asked to refrain from sexual/romantic encounters for at least a short period of time. It is important for them to take some time out and gain a fresh perspective on their problems. If necessary, it also provides them with an opportunity to deal with substance abuse (a common related issue). In time, and with expert support, patients can learn how to form healthy relationships that are based on genuine love and respect for other people.
Many people are surprised at how common this condition is. It permeates all levels of society and is characterized by dysfunctional patterns of behavior pertaining to sexual and romantic relationships. These behavior patterns are rooted in dysfunctional emotional responses that are a source of huge stress and misery for sufferers. Their low levels of self-esteem lead to an inordinate amount of fear towards rejection, pain and the unknown. Compulsive sexual/romantic relationships are an unconscious way in which sufferers attempt to gain safety and approval.
This disorder, for the most part, originates in childhood trauma. Most sufferers have a history that includes serious issues such as abandonment, neglect, rejection and emotional, physical and sometimes sexual abuse. These kind of damaging experiences foster a wounded sense of self that can trigger a multitude of emotional problems.
This damaged sense of self causes sufferers immense difficulties when it comes to forming healthy relationships with other people. They tend to have trouble establishing boundaries, and can be excessively needy and dependent. Some sufferers can be manipulative, jealous, controlling and possessive, even to the point of violence.
People with this disorder will tend to exhibit certain pathologies in their relationships. Things like difficulty staying single for any length of time, anxiety about being single, tolerating abusive relationships, sabotaging relationships, sabotaging their reputation (by unwisely pursuing unsuitable potential partners) and ruining their finances, are just a handful of the kind of problems that sufferers create for themselves.
A serious issue for a lot of sufferers is the effect their disorder has on other key aspects of their lives. Their work lives often suffer when their attention and energy is expended on sexual/romantic adventures. Their relationship with close family members and friends can also suffer from the same neglect. Difficulties can also develop when family and friends recognize the problem and their efforts to help create conflict.
Overcoming these and other addictive behavior patterns can certainly be a challenge. There are however effective therapies that enable patients to move beyond them. Cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve-step support groups and individual counseling are three proven ways in which patients can begin changing what are often very entrenched negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Regardless of the kind of treatment patients engage in, they will generally be asked to refrain from sexual/romantic encounters for at least a short period of time. It is important for them to take some time out and gain a fresh perspective on their problems. If necessary, it also provides them with an opportunity to deal with substance abuse (a common related issue). In time, and with expert support, patients can learn how to form healthy relationships that are based on genuine love and respect for other people.
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