If They Need Love Addiction Therapy Atlanta Residents Will Discover High-Quality Assistance Is Available To Them

By Marci Glover


Love addiction may at first seem less serious than the more well-known addictions, but it is in fact a stress-inducing, damaging condition that creates very real misery for sufferers. While it won't affect physical health in the same way as alcoholism for example, it can certainly create havoc in the lives of those caught in its web. If they need love addiction therapy Atlanta GA residents will find that high-quality assistance is available for them.

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 condition, like most dysfunctional behavioral patterns, has its roots in childhood experiences. Early trauma like neglect, rejection, abandonment and emotional, physical and sexual abuse are the most prominent factors contributing to its formation. These kind of experiences lead to a serious loss of self-confidence for the victim and a damaged identity.

Victims struggle with a deep sense of insecurity and consequent difficulties in forming healthy, mutually beneficial bonds with others. They also tend to have difficulty establishing appropriate boundaries in their relationships (romantic or otherwise) with other people. They tend to be either overly needy or smothering, or jealous and controlling.

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 big side-effect of these pathologies is the impact they have on other important areas of the sufferer's life. Areas like work and family life can deteriorate badly when the sufferer's time and energy is wasted elsewhere. Failures in time-keeping and productivity can lead to job loss and consequent financial difficulties. Neglected family relationships can lead to conflict and estrangement.

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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