It might feel like love, but could it actually be an addiction?
While it might sound far-fetched, it reallycanhappen!
Like other types of addiction, being addicted to a person can be unhealthy or even dangerous.
Uwe Krejci / Getty Images
While it’s most common with significant others, it can happen with anyone in your life.
But it’s important to distinguish between real love and addiction.
This isn’t just unhealthy; it can be dangerous if the situation becomes abusive or unstable.
Is It Really Possible to be Addicted to Another Person?
In short, yes.
It’s completely possible to be addicted to another human.
Let’s look at the differences between a loving relationship and an addictive one.
Here are some of the top reasons.
Being admired by another person can be a high, just like a substance would give you.
You may simply be looking for something that makes you feel good and keeps you feeling good.
And lastly, mental health conditions can increase addiction risks.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
you could take steps to turn your relationship and your life around for the better.
It’s very normal to need professional help.
Many types might be right for you, from arelationship therapistto anaddiction program.
Takeaways
Addiction to a person may feel fun and exciting.
Uhl GR, Koob GF, Cable J.The neurobiology of addiction.Ann N Y Acad Sci.
Bethesda (MD).
2021;46(10):1715-1723. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-00950-y
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Risk and protective factors.
2021;9(7):1130-1138. doi:10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i07.002
