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Relationship Dependence
It is possible to become dependent on relationships and love, just as you can have a dependence on nicotine. The first few stages of the relationship, where the parties are just getting to know one another, is where the “high” that the addict is seeking occurs. Relationship and love dependence can lead to a lack of strong romantic relationships, as well as other impulsive behaviour.
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Team Member Spotlight
Calgary, Online Counselling
Food/Eating Issues, Gambling Dependence, Gaming Dependence, Pornography Issues, Relationship Dependence, Shopping Dependence
Symptoms & Signs of Relationship Dependence
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Enjoying the beginning stages of a relationship more than the rest of it
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Jumping from one relationship to another
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Obsessing over your current love interest
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Remaining dependent on the other person to the point of smothering
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Fear of being alone/not in a relationship
When is it time to seek help?
If you find you are unable to, and uninterested in maintaining a long-term relationship, but aren’t at ease without being in a relationship, it may be time to connect with a therapist. If you get bored easily after the thrill of the chase or the adrenaline of a new relationship, or you are repeatedly told that you are overly needy or smother your partner – you may have an unhealthy dependence.
Treatment Methods for Relationship Dependence
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Behaviour Therapy Behavioural therapy may be used to treat a wide range of problematic compulsive behaviours such as drug and/or alcohol use, food or eating issues, problematic gambling and gaming, pornography and sex related compulsions, relationship dependence, shopping compulsion and smoking. Behaviour Therapy includes the thinking processes, attitudes and values which typically impact an individual. Generally speaking, Behaviour Therapy tends to view human beings and behaviour with the assumption that humans are a product of their sociocultural conditioning and environment. In the context of addiction or a substance use disorder, behavioural therapy focuses on changing self-destructive or problematic behaviours through purposely and systematically applied concepts. Behavioural therapy also looks at your current problems and the factors influencing them. This therapeutic modality emphasizes noticeable and obvious behaviour changes more than your underlying unconscious processes.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) One of the most commonly used treatment methods for addiction and problematic compulsive behaviours is cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviours and how they perceive themselves, others, and the world. CBT differs from other therapies because of its emphasis on the theory that how you perceive a problem or situation causes negative or dysfunctional emotions and/or behaviours. The goal of CBT in the context of a substance use disorder and/or problematic substance use issues is for the client to understand what drives their problematic behaviours and how these issues are related to other aspects of their lives. Once the client understands what thoughts and/or environmental factors lead to their problematic and/or compulsive behaviours, they are better equipped to succeed in the recovery process and prevent future relapse.​
What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?
If dependence is affecting your life, you should know that you’re not alone. Our therapists utilize a variety of effective treatment methods that can support you on your journey to finding healthy ways to cope, to stop self-medicating and to reclaim your life. With time and the proper support, it is possible to work through your relationship or love dependence and be able to sustain a lasting relationship. However, the type of support and treatment varies from person to person. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best plan for your needs.