What Does a Love Addiction Really Look Like?

Much like the lead character Joe in Netflix’s popular show “You,” ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork shares that love addiction is more common than you think! Amber has come to The Doctors claiming that her love addiction has ruined her life. Psychotherapist Dr. Mike Dow joins to define this addition, which is not an official diagnosis, but Dr. Dow shares that he believes it is real. He shares the symptoms of love addiction, which includes the pathological need to be in a relationship even if your partner is not treating you the right way.

About The Doctors:

The Doctors is an Emmy award-winning daytime talk show hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork and co-hosted by plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon, along with dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra, OB-GYN Dr. Nita Landry, and neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho.

The Doctors helps you understand the latest health headlines, delivers exclusive interviews with celebrities dealing with health issues, debates and investigates health and safety claims, explains the latest viral videos and how you can avoid emergency situations, and serves up celebrity chefs to share the hottest and healthiest recipes and foods.

[aafkgirl]

I think that you are not in love with the person, you are in love with the feeling of being in love.

[Skatamska]

I can relate to this. I used to treat my anxiety by falling in love. I wouldn’t feel so lousy anymore. But after a stroke I lost my sexyness and I’m not that interesting to men anymore. But thanks to the stroke I see now what I was doing and that my happiness depended on someone else giving me validation.

[PrettyPinkPeacock]

As someone who genuinely believes in this as a type of addiction/trauma / anxiety response, I'm not sure this is the best explanation but it's good to see some representation.

For me it's like the need for "love" is an invasive force in my life. It used to be an escape from life, but I no longer want to feel like a teenager with a hopeless crush - I still lack the emotional maturity to move past it. It affects work and friendships, if I get stressed I'll start being obsessed with someone, as if that would solve my problems.

If anyone else recognises themselves I recommend learning about healing from codependency, and how to attend to your own emotional needs to make up for the love you are craving in your adult life.

[ettaqouabeirouti]

She needs love, affection & attention that she couldn't get from her mother

[misskaya]

I was abused and seen abuse since I was a toddler. I never heard I love you from my parents, so it's like I want real love bad that leads to love addiction for me. I dont fall in love. I fall obsession. I also have borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and complicated grief disorder.

[gardenstate]

Im in a lot of pain, It's so hard to be a Love addict 😢😢

[scarlettfreedom]

the victim of betrayal and abandonment. Then the bond becomes bondage. Used by the ego to justify regression into more and more infintile ways of behaviour. Codependency, hate, fighting, demanding the other change. It becomes a constant struggle: who is the one receiving love and who is the slave? In most egoic love this is what happens. I wish to be free that I may not feel lost in the cycle of need and demands. That I may accept love and give love without it causing agony, that it may be Christ like love. So to speak.
💗💗💗💗💗

[ElisaMarieKing]

Just watched JLo's "This is Me... Now" . I still can't believe, but thankful, she highlighted her love addiction in the film.
Love addiction is very real.

[spencerjones]

La is very real. I was a severe alcoholic. Psych wards. Yes its real.

[richardw]

"There were a lot of red flags overlooked", oh yeah I know that one. I hope she heals her attachment wounds and can find a healthy relationship.

[Gravedweller]

I have bpd and have this too :( very common with bpd

[menachemelkayam]

I am currently going through the same exact problem and it’s jeopardizing my ability to find and keep love.
Every girl I date that I find attractive, I very quickly cling to them and they feel that and it chases them away rather quickly!😞
I don’t know what to do about it exactly but it’s bothering me very much!!!

[dera_ng]

I wish I could meet a love addict like me so we can be happy forever.

[johnborylo]

I have personally tried suicide 10 times over women.

[PhillyMunay]

What if you're both addicted to each other and sex has not been involved yet? In my case, it's almost like we can never stay away from each other but we never had sex (other forms of intimacy like always being together and touching). I'm wondering if this kind is actually falling in love...

[sarajane]

Rock bottom moment with this issue is suicide. Complete emotional imbalance.

[daylilopez]

I pray for those who are needy 🙏 that they find and follow jesus and end there suffering hearts and minds to help them heal the anxiety they get wash away there tears and bring joy and fulfill there hearts in the name of Jesus Christ Amen!!!
Jesus Christ wants you to praise to him don't go around praising people they don't even know how to love themselfs.
Basic
Instructions
Before
Leaving
Earth
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[radioog]

She has anxious preoccupied attachment style

[TheIrishBosnian]

From my perspective, it looks like its a mental health problem. Love addiction sounds a bit crazy. Everyone wants to be loved. Even the toughest guy or gal. And I wonder if this is mainly a females problem?

[ErieTayEricaReign]

I just found out that I have been suffering from this