Relationship Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Relationship addiction is a compulsive need to be in a romantic relationship at the expense of personal well-being. People who are addicted to relationships feel incomplete without a partner. The brain’s reward system plays a key role in relationship addiction, with the release of dopamine and oxytocin reinforcing the emotional highs of connection. The brain’s reward centers light up during romantic interactions, mimicking patterns seen in substance abuse addiction, according to a study titled “The Role of Dopamine in Addiction to Love” by Dr. Helen Fisher (2017). The brain becomes conditioned to crave the emotional feedback from relationships.

Psychological factors such as low self-esteem and attachment issues contribute to the development of relationship addiction. The desire for validation and the fear of loneliness drive the cycle of seeking and staying in unhealthy relationships. Individuals with insecure attachment styles develop a dependency on romantic relationships, according to the research “Psychology of Relationship Addiction” by Dr. Marsha Linehan (2015). People enter toxic relationships to satisfy an emotional need, believing that love or validation fills an internal void.

The pattern becomes habitual, where individuals continually seek new relationships, never feeling content or fulfilled. Relationship addiction definition encompasses emotional dependence and the constant need for external validation through a partner. The type of addiction is rooted in the brain’s need for reward and the cycle of emotional highs and lows experienced in relationships. A person addicted to a relationship tends to lose sight of their identity, prioritizing the relationship over other aspects of life.

What is Relationship Addiction?

The importance of understanding relationship addiction is critical in recognizing its emotional and psychological impacts. Knowing about relationship addiction helps identify unhealthy patterns in romantic connections. Early recognition prevents the escalation of dependency, which leads to emotional distress and diminished self-worth.

Addressing relationship addiction allows individuals to regain their sense of identity and independence, breaking the cycle of unhealthy attachment. Left unaddressed, relationship addiction results in long-term emotional damage, such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of emptiness. It leads to repeated cycles of toxic relationships, undermining one’s ability to form healthy emotional connections. The addiction impedes personal growth, causing significant issues in career, friendships, and life satisfaction. Proper intervention helps individuals rebuild self-esteem and create healthier relationship patterns. Understanding relationship addiction is essential in fostering emotional resilience and a balanced, fulfilling life.

What is the Importance of Understanding Relationship Addiction?

How Common is Relationship Addiction?

Relationship addiction is 3% to 6% common in the general adult population. Relationship addiction is more prevalent among adults than children, with studies indicating that 8% to 10% of women and 3% to 5% of men exhibit signs of love addiction. Young adults and college students are notably affected, with some studies reporting prevalence rates as high as 25%. Romantic relationships, characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, are most commonly linked to relationship addiction. The prevalence of love addiction among university students was found to be 17.9%, highlighting the significant occurrence of the issue in young adult populations, according to “The Love Addiction Inventory: Preliminary Findings of the Turkish Version” by Ahmet Gültekin and colleagues (2019).

What Causes Relationship Addiction?

The Causes of Relationship Addiction are listed below.

Childhood Trauma and Attachment Issues: Relationship addiction causes early life experiences, such as neglect or inconsistent caregiving, to lead to attachment disorders. These issues result in individuals seeking validation through relationships in adulthood. Unresolved past traumas exacerbate these feelings, according to “What Causes Love Addiction? Signs, Risk Factors, and Treatment” by Brooke Helton, published on February 10, 2025.
Neurobiological Factors: The brain’s reward system, involving dopamine and oxytocin, reinforces behaviors that provide pleasure. Intense romantic interactions trigger these chemicals, leading to addictive patterns. A study led by Helen Fisher used fMRI to find that individuals who had “just fallen madly in love” showed activation in the ventral tegmental area, associated with dopamine release, according to “Limerence” on Wikipedia.
Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem rely on relationships to feel valued, increasing the risk of developing addictive behaviors. Love addiction stems from several places, like low self-esteem or other underlying problems, according to “Love Addiction: What Is It and What Causes It?” on AddictionCenter.com.
Reward Dependence Personality Trait: High reward dependence, characterized by seeking approval and affection, predisposes individuals to addictive relationships. Individuals with high reward-dependent personalities seek rewards through means like overeating or substance abuse when conventional sources are unavailable, according to “Reward dependence” on Wikipedia.

What are the Signs of Relationship Addiction?

The Signs of Relationship Addiction are listed below.

Obsessive Thoughts: Individuals experience persistent, intrusive thoughts about their partner, leading to emotional distress. A psychologist and sex and relationships expert, obsessive thoughts regarding the relationship are a sign of love addiction, according to Kerry Cohen, PsyD, LPC.
Excessive Need for Contact: A constant desire for communication with a partner, coupled with anxiety during periods of separation, is indicative of relationship addiction symptoms. Cohen notes that an excessive need for contact with the partner is a symptom of relationship addiction.
Neglecting Personal Identity: Losing one’s sense of self outside the relationship, including diminished interest in personal hobbies and friendships, is a concerning symptom of Relationship addiction. Cohen observes that a lack of self-identity outside the relationship is a symptom of relationship addiction.
Staying in Unhealthy Relationships: Remaining in toxic or abusive relationships due to fear of abandonment or loneliness is a manifestation of relationship addiction signs. Psychologist Kerry Cohen highlights that staying with someone, even when it is unhealthy, is a sign of relationship addiction.
Using Relationships to Cope: Utilizing romantic relationships as a means to escape from negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem signals addictive behavior. Psychologist Kerry Cohen explains that using sex or a relationship to cope with emptiness, depression, anger, shame, or anxiety is a sign of addiction.
Fear of Abandonment: An overwhelming fear of being alone, leading to desperate attempts to maintain a relationship, is characteristic of relationship addiction. Cohen notes that an overwhelming fear of being alone is a sign of relationship addiction.
Loss of Interest in Other Activities: Diminishing interest in work, hobbies, and friendships outside the relationship signifies relationship addiction. Cohen observes that loss of interest in work, activities, and friendships is a symptom of relationship addiction.
Attraction to Emotionally Unavailable Partners: Consistently pursuing relationships with partners who are emotionally distant or unavailable is indicative of relationship addiction. Cohen highlights that an attraction to emotionally unavailable people is a symptom of relationship addiction. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and support.

What are the Effects of Relationship Addiction?

The Effects of Relationship Addiction are listed below.

Physical Effects of Relationship Addiction: Relationship addiction, characterized by an excessive preoccupation with romantic relationships, leads to various physical health issues. A study titled “Psychological and cognitive complaints in individuals with love addiction” highlights that individuals with love addiction experience psychological, social, and cognitive difficulties in everyday life.

Chronic Stress: Constant emotional turmoil associated with relationship addiction leads to elevated stress hormone levels, resulting in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
Sleep Disturbances: Obsessive thoughts about a partner disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep and affecting health.
Neglect of Physical Health: Individuals prioritize relationships over personal well-being, leading to neglect of exercise, poor dietary choices, and inadequate medical care, contributing to various health issues.

Psychological Effects of Relationship Addiction: The compulsive need for romantic involvement has significant psychological impacts. Research from PubMed Central (PMC) suggests that romantic love exhibits addictive properties, with individuals in the early stages showing symptoms akin to substance and behavioral addictions, including euphoria, craving, and emotional dependence.

Anxiety and Depression: Fear of abandonment and constant relationship-related stress lead to heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Low Self-Esteem: Dependence on external validation from a partner results in diminished self-worth and identity issues.
Emotional Instability: The highs and lows of relationship dynamics cause mood swings and emotional distress.

Social Effects of Relationship Addiction: Relationship addiction extends beyond the individual, affecting social interactions and relationships. Studies from Wikipedia have shown that conflicts within personal relationships lead to major problems, including emotional turmoil and strained social connections.
- Isolation: An intense focus on a romantic partner leads to withdrawal from friends and family, resulting in social isolation.
- Conflict with Social Circles: Neglecting other relationships in favor of a partner causes tension and conflicts with friends and family members.
- Unhealthy Relationship Patterns: Individuals gravitate towards toxic or abusive relationships, perpetuating cycles of dysfunction.

When to See a Doctor for Relationship Addiction?

See a doctor for relationship addiction when the symptoms interfere with daily life, relationships, and well-being. Severe signs include persistent obsessive thoughts about a partner, emotional distress, and compulsive behaviors that persist despite adverse consequences. Professional intervention is necessary if there is a noticeable decline in personal health, such as neglect of self-care, sleep disturbances, or chronic stress.

A clinical evaluation by a mental health professional helps assess the severity of the addiction through diagnostic criteria from mental health guidelines. Utilizing self-assessment tools and questionnaires provides an initial understanding of the condition. A screening must be conducted to ensure comprehensive treatment if there is a concern about co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or personality disorders. Seeking professional help becomes critical when relationship addiction leads to significant emotional instability, inability to form healthy relationships, or if unhealthy attachment patterns are harming the individual’s mental and physical health.

How is Relationship Addiction Diagnosed?

Relationship addiction is diagnosed through a comprehensive process involving self-assessment, clinical evaluation, and adherence to established diagnostic criteria. Individuals engage in self-assessment using questionnaires designed to identify patterns indicative of relationship addiction. These tools help individuals reflect on their behaviors and recognize potential issues.

A clinical evaluation by a mental health professional is essential. The assessment includes a thorough analysis of signs and symptoms, considering the duration, intensity, and impact of relationship-related behaviors on daily functioning. Mental health professionals utilize diagnostic criteria from recognized guidelines, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to assess whether the observed behaviors align with established patterns of addictive disorders.

Screening for co-occurring mental health disorders is a crucial step, as individuals with relationship addiction experience conditions like anxiety or depression. These comprehensive assessments aid in formulating an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan, according to the research article “Treatment of love addiction: Current status and perspectives” by Cíntia Sanches, Monica L. Zilberman, and colleagues, published in January 2019.

How is Relationship Addiction Diagnosed?

What are the Treatment Options for Relationship Addiction

Treatment Options for Relationship Addiction are listed below.

Therapy and Counseling: Professional therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is fundamental in treating relationship addiction. CBT helps individuals identify and modify detrimental thought patterns and behaviors associated with their addictive relationships. Relationship addiction treatment is essential in addressing unhealthy relationship patterns, according to “Love Addiction: What Is It and What Causes It?” by Krystina Murray, published in March 2025.
Support Groups: Participating in support groups provides a community of individuals facing similar challenges, fostering shared experiences and mutual support. Groups such as Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) offer structured programs to aid recovery. The relationship addiction therapy follows a twelve-step program to help members overcome addictive behaviors as detailed in the SLAA overview.
Setting Boundaries: Learning to establish and maintain healthy boundaries is crucial in overcoming relationship addiction. It involves recognizing personal limits and communicating them effectively to others, ensuring that relationships do not infringe upon one’s well-being. The importance of setting boundaries is emphasized in discussions about codependency and relationship addiction.
Building Independence: Developing independence entails cultivating personal interests, hobbies, and a strong sense of self outside romantic relationships. The process helps individuals reduce dependency on others for emotional fulfillment. The significance of building independence is highlighted in resources addressing relationship addiction and recovery.
Medication: Medication is prescribed to address underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that contribute to relationship addiction. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat these conditions. However, medication is considered when therapy alone is insufficient. The role of medication in treating co-occurring mental health disorders is discussed in addiction treatment literature.

Can Relationship Addiction be Treated in Rehab?

Yes, relationship addiction can be treated in rehab. Specialized programs, such as relationship addiction rehab, offer structured environments to address unhealthy relationship patterns.

Rehab is appropriate when relationship addiction leads to significant distress, impairs daily functioning, or results in harmful behaviors. Indicators include obsessive thoughts about a partner, neglect of personal well-being, and repeated engagement in detrimental relationships.

Rehab centers assist in treating relationship addiction through various methods. These include individual and group therapy, where cognitive-behavioral techniques help identify and modify maladaptive behaviors. Programs incorporate support groups like Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), providing community-based recovery options. Rehab facilities offer education on setting healthy boundaries and building independence, essential for overcoming relationship dependency. Centers like The Cabin address co-occurring mental health disorders, ensuring comprehensive care.

Therapy is essential in addressing unhealthy relationship patterns, according to the research article “Love Addiction: What Is It and What Causes It?” by Krystina Murray, published in March 2025. Incorporating these approaches, relationship addiction therapy aims to help individuals develop healthier relationship dynamics and improve overall well-being.

How to Overcome Relationship Addiction?

To overcome relationship addiction, there are three steps to follow. First, seek professional relationship addiction therapy to identify unhealthy patterns and develop strategies for breaking the cycle of dependency. Therapy helps individuals address the underlying psychological factors contributing to their addiction, such as low self-esteem or attachment issues. Second, establish healthy boundaries by learning to prioritize personal well-being and independence rather than relying on a partner for emotional fulfillment. Lastly, engage in support groups or recovery programs that provide a sense of community and shared experiences. These groups, such as Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), play a crucial role in overcoming relationship addiction by offering a structured path to recovery.