The concept of love addiction is hard to comprehend. How can you be addicted to love?
There are many factors that contribute to love addiction as it is a complex condition that affects all us love addicts in different ways.
Sex and love is the most natural high we humans can get. The chemicals involved in being addicted to love is driven by the same biological mechanism that underlies all forms of addiction. Lets take a closer look at the chemistry behind love addiction and explore how it affects the brain.
1. Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released in the brain when we experience pleasure or reward. When we fall in love, our brain experiences a flood of dopamine, which contributes to feelings of happiness, excitement, and euphoria. However, when the brain becomes dependent on these dopamine rushes, love addiction can result.
2. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a hormone that is released when we engage in physical affection, such as hugging or cuddling. It promotes feelings of bonding, trust, and attachment, which are key components of healthy relationships. However, for individuals who are addicted to love, the release of oxytocin can become an obsession, leading to compulsive behaviors that are detrimental to their well-being.
3. Adrenaline: Adrenaline is a hormone that is released in response to stress or danger. In the context of love addiction, it can be triggered by feelings of anxiety or fear when a relationship is threatened. The rush of adrenaline can drive individuals to do anything to hold on to the relationship, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being.
4. Testosterone and estrogen: last but definitely not least the hormones that makes us horny. The love addict love avoidant cycle keeps these chemicals flowing with its turbulent push pull dynamic. Who doesn’t like these guys showing up?
Understanding the underlying chemistry can help people who struggle with love addiction gain insight into their addictive process and take the steps needed to heal and love themselves through the emotional detox that is necessary to recover. Chemistry however is only one component of the love addiction cycle, healing from love addiction is possible but requires a deeper look into the underlying attachment wounds that have paved the way for the development of this intimacy related disorder.
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