When It Comes To Love Addiction Therapy Atlanta Residents Have Caring, Professional Guidance Available To Them

By Marci Glover


Love addiction may seem less harmful than some of the better-known addictions, but it shares many similarities with them. It may not directly damage one's health and finances in the same way as drug dependency for example, but it can undoubtedly wreak havoc with many areas of a sufferer's life. If they are seeking love addiction therapy Atlanta GA residents will find they have a number of options for dealing with this distressing disorder.

This widespread disorder consists of dysfunctional and compulsive patterns of behavior regarding sexuality and romance. They are behaviors that are propelled by profound fears and desires that create tremendous stress, upheaval and unhappiness. Sufferers typically have very poor self-esteem and a consequent fear of being rejected by others. Their compulsive sexual/romantic behaviors are a subconscious attempt to shore up a frail identity and alleviate a fundamental insecurity.

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.

This damaged sense of self causes sufferers immense difficulties when it comes to forming healthy relationships with other people. They tend to have trouble establishing boundaries, and can be excessively needy and dependent. Some sufferers can be manipulative, jealous, controlling and possessive, even to the point of violence.

A number of other pathologies can also be present in sufferers, including (but certainly not limited to) a profound discomfort at being single, always having to be in a relationship, putting up with violent/destructive relationships, repeating toxic relationship patterns, financial imprudence, and harming their reputation with risky/inappropriate sexual/romantic adventures.

A big issue for many sufferers is the difficulty they have in concentrating on important areas of their lives. Their career/work lives can suffer tremendously through a lack of focus and failures in self-discipline and productivity. Their relationships with family members can suffer due to the same inattentiveness. Conflict can also arise with family members who recognize the sufferer's unhealthy relationship patterns and try to intervene.

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.

When patients begin therapy, they will normally be asked to refrain from any sexual/romantic liaisons. This gives them some time and mental space to gain a fresh perspective on their difficulties. It also gives them an opportunity to deal with any other addiction issues, such as drug and alcohol dependency, that very often go with the territory. With professional support, patients can move away from their destructive behaviors and develop loving relationships that are based on genuine love and respect.




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