Can You Be Addicted to a Person?

Yes, it's possible to be addicted to a person. This addiction is most prevalent with romantic partners but can also occur with anyone in your life.

Is It Really Possible to be Addicted to Another Person?

Yes. Addiction is a compulsion to engage in something that triggers a specific feeling, often involving a flood of happy chemicals in the brain. Addiction specialists believe it can occur with anything, including people.

Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship vs. an Addictive Relationship

In a healthy relationship:

• Boundaries are easily maintained.
• You feel comfortable communicating your feelings.
• Both partners take and encourage alone time.
• You respect your partner's privacy.
• Your self-esteem does not rely on your partner's opinion of you.
• Others do not express concern about your involvement with this person.

In an addictive relationship:

• You feel discomfort or inability to handle life without the other person.
• You believe they are the only person you will ever love.
• You expect them to fulfill all your needs.
• You feel jealousy or upset if your partner does things outside the relationship.
• Friends and loved ones are worried about you; you may have less contact with them.

Why You Might Become Addicted to a Person

• Seeking a high: New relationships can excite us and flood our brains with feel-good chemicals.
• Addiction-prone personality: People with addictive tendencies may exhibit mood swings, impulsivity, thrill-seeking, and low self-esteem.
• Lack of healthy relationship models: If you haven't experienced a healthy relationship, it can impact your navigation of relationships in adulthood.

Why Addiction to a Person Can Be Harmful

• Staying with someone abusive
• Negatively impacting other aspects of life, like work or school
• Withdrawal from healthy relationships
• Using substances to cope with relationship troubles
• Feeling unable to cope with life if the relationship ends

What to Do If You Think You're Addicted to A Person

• Learn about addiction and codependence.
• Seek professional help, such as a relationship therapist or addiction program.

Conclusion

Addiction to a person may feel exciting, but remember that there are always other fun and exciting interactions in life that won't consume you or interfere with your daily tasks.