What is Love Addiction?
Love addiction is a psychological condition in which an individual has developed an unhealthy and obsessive fixation with a love interest. While most people who pursue romantic relationships typically get attached to their significant others, it is still considered healthy when both partners can respect each other’s independence and space. However, people with love addiction tend to act in strange and irrational ways that lead to the detriment of themselves and others around them. As they are often filled with unrealistic standards and expectations of what love entails, people with love addiction can act out in a negative manner if their needs are not met. This is why it is important to seek immediate love addiction treatment if you or your loved ones are exhibiting any form of unhealthy behaviour in a personal relationship.
What Causes Love Addiction?
While there isn’t any concrete evidence pointing to the exact cause of love addiction, some existing research suggests that there are various factors that do contribute to triggering the condition. This understanding aids in determining the right treatment approach.
Childhood Trauma
Individuals who grew up in a toxic household environment and endured a less-than-nurturing childhood may be more likely to constantly seek reassurance from others. Whether it was an isolated incident or a long-term period of neglect and abuse by their parents or caregivers, these experiences could have left them feeling emotionally bereft. These individuals’ addiction to love could be developed as a means to meet their emotional needs.
Low Self-esteem
Love addiction can stem from low self-esteem caused by past experiences of rejection or abuse. Feelings of unworthiness may enable an individual to form an unhealthy obsession with someone whom they perceive as worthy, developing a co-dependency on that person for approval and assurance.
Past Abandonment Issues
Abandonment from a long-term companion or family members can lead to love addiction. The fear of being left behind and alone can result in individuals clinging onto any form of attachment to another person as they do not know how to be alone or who they are outside of a relationship. Due to the fact that those struggling with love addiction often feel unlovable or unworthy from past emotional or physical abandonment issues, they feel as though they are unable to be happy without any love or affection from another person.
Signs You or a Loved One May Require Love Addiction Treatment
Love addiction manifests differently from person to person, but there are several things to look out for if you suspect that you or your loved one might be struggling with this condition. A love addiction treatment centre has specially designed programs to provide support for those seeking help and can offer the necessary treatment to help you overcome your addiction and improve your quality of life.
Love addiction can take on the following symptoms, but are not limited to those on this list:
- Feeling worthless and lost without a sense of purpose when you don’t have a partner.
- Being overly depending on your partner.
- Prioritising the relationship with your partner over everything else in your life, often completely neglecting your other responsibilities or personal relationships with friends and family.
- Becoming depressed and obsessed over a romantic interest when your advances are not reciprocated.
- Constantly needing to be in relationships even with partners that are not good for you.
- Finding it difficult to leave unhealthy or toxic relationships and making up excuses for your partner’s behaviour.
- Making senseless decisions based on your emotions towards your partner (e.g., quitting your job to spend more time with them).
- Obsessively thinking about your partner to the point it disrupts your day to day routine.
Visions by Promises’ Love Addiction Assessment Process
At Visions by Promises, we understand that love addiction is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach for effective treatment. Our love addiction assessment process is designed to thoroughly understand the individual’s condition, their emotional state, and the severity of their addiction. This allows us to tailor a treatment programme that addresses their needs and circumstances.
1. Psychological Evaluation
The assessment process commences with an extensive psychological evaluation. The experienced team of therapists and psychiatrists at our treatment centre utilises a range of tools, including standardised questionnaires such as the Love Addiction Inventory. This tool consists of 24 items that help identify dysfunctional emotional patterns characteristic of love addiction. This step is crucial in identifying any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to the love addiction. Recognising these issues allows for the determination of the most suitable therapeutic interventions.
2. Physical Health Assessment
A physical health assessment is integral to the love addiction treatment process. This assessment involves a thorough review of the individual’s medical history, along with physical examinations or laboratory tests if necessary. It identifies any physical manifestations or health implications related to love addiction, such as stress-related conditions or neglected self-care. It also uncovers co-existing health issues or substance use that could complicate treatment. By providing a clear picture of the individual’s physical health, this comprehensive assessment ensures that the treatment plan addresses all aspects of well-being, enhancing the chances of successful recovery.
3. Social Environment Analysis
A crucial part of the love addiction assessment process is the analysis of the individual’s social environment. This involves a deep dive into the individual’s relationships and social networks, as these can often be a source of triggers or reinforcements for love addiction behaviours. This comprehensive understanding of the social context is vital in crafting a treatment journey that is sustainable and effective in overcoming love addiction.
4. Spiritual Examination
A spiritual examination is also carried out. This doesn’t necessarily pertain to religion; rather, it’s about exploring core values, beliefs, and a sense of purpose to get a more in-depth understanding of their perspective in life. These elements can often serve as a powerful resource during the treatment or recovery process for love addiction.
Aftercare Services at Visions by Promises
Aftercare services form a crucial part of the love addiction treatment process at Visions by Promises. These services are designed to provide ongoing support to individuals once they have completed their initial treatment programme.
Continuing Care Group
Visions by Promises provides a Continuing Care group as a key part of love addiction recovery. This weekly gathering forms a nurturing network, allowing individuals to maintain ties with our team and fellow participants on a similar path. It’s an avenue for exploring past influences, encouraging emotional development, and learning healthier coping mechanisms, thus fostering resilience and ongoing progress beyond the initial treatment phase.
Regular Check-ins
These check-ins provide an opportunity to discuss any challenges or concerns that have arisen since the completion of the initial treatment programme, and to adjust the individual’s ongoing treatment plan if necessary. This can be particularly important for individuals or couples recovering from love addiction, as they navigate new relationships and experiences.
Medical Services
At Visions by Promises, specialised medical services are provided. Love addiction may coexist with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). To address this, we offer psychiatric interventions that can be instrumental in the recovery process. These interventions can include the prescription of medication, such as mood stabilisers and antidepressants to help manage symptoms, improve overall mental health, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatment components.
Visions by Promises’ Love Addiction Treatment Programme
At Visions by Promises, the treatment programme for love addiction is a comprehensive approach towards recovery. It is meticulously designed to address the unique challenges that love addiction presents, ensuring that each individual receives a personalised approach to their recovery. This treatment programme encompasses various steps.
1. Get in Touch With Visions by Promises
The journey to receiving appropriate treatment for love addiction begins with seeking professional help. You can reach out to Visions by Promises for yourself or your loved one and schedule an appointment online. To assess the severity of the addiction, consider taking our online addictions test available on our website. Alternatively, you can call us directly at +65 6397 7304 or send us an email at visions@promises.com.sg.
2. Initial Assessment
Upon indications of potential treatment or after scheduling an appointment, our team conducts an initial assessment. This assessment involves collecting detailed information to fully understand the extent and nature of the individual’s love addiction.
3. Diagnosis for the Appropriate Treatment
Following the initial assessment, a comprehensive diagnosis of love addiction is established. This diagnosis is essential in determining the severity of the addiction, which then guides whether an individual requires a more intensive rehab programme or a therapy-based treatment approach.
4. Develop a Treatment Programme
Post-diagnosis, a personalised treatment programme is created for the individual’s love addiction. This programme integrates therapeutic interventions ranging from individual counselling and psychodynamic therapy to cognitive-behavioural therapy and group therapy. We make certain that the individual receives the comprehensive treatment plan they need to help overcome love addiction.
5. First Stage of the Recovery Programme (First Two Months)
In the first stage of your love addiction treatment, the therapist will work with you to identify the severity of your addiction before addressing underlying factors that have led to your condition through therapy. Your partner may also be required to attend individual therapy sessions to develop the necessary coping skills as they play an important role in your recovery process.
The objective of this stage includes stabilising the affected individuals of this addiction, as well as to prepare for the next stage of the couple treatment process.
Section
In the first stage of your love addiction treatment, the therapist will work with you to identify the severity of your addiction before addressing underlying factors that have led to your condition through therapy. Your partner may also be required to attend individual therapy sessions to develop the necessary coping skills as they play an important role in your recovery process.
The objective of this stage includes stabilising the affected individuals of this addiction, as well as to prepare for the next stage of the couple treatment process.
6. Second Stage of the Recovery Programme (Third Month)
The couple will have to undergo a structured three-step treatment process which will aid in marking the end of the active love addiction stage. Both you and your partner will discuss with your respective therapists regarding potential relapses in the future, healthy coping mechanisms, and how to build a support system that can support you in the long run. A recovery plan will also be recommended to you at this stage.
7. Aftercare Programmes
Once the recovery phase concludes, the individual moves into the aftercare stage. Visions by Promises provides aftercare programmes for love addiction. These services aim to support the individual in maintaining their recovery, managing emotions and behaviours, and building healthier relationships post-recovery. The goal is to ensure the developments made during treatment are sustained and built upon in the individual’s everyday life.
Choose Visions by Promises As Your Love Addiction Treatment Centre
Love addiction is a serious psychological condition that should not be taken lightly. While it may be difficult to address the issue, there is no shame in seeking professional help to regain control of your life. Visions by Promises strives to give you the support that you need through treatment programmes that will help you break the cycle effectively. Our centre also provides sex addiction treatment, drug addiction treatment, and more. Make an appointment with us today and discover healthier ways to express your love.
Meet our Love Addiction Specialists
Dr Juliana Pang
- Holds a Master of Counselling from Monash University, Australia and a Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling from The School of Positive Psychology.
- Certified as an Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP) by Evergreen Certifications, United States.
- Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and relationships.
- Has extensive experience in treating addictions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Specialises in substance addictions, behaviour addictions, and providing support for partners and families affected by addictions.
- Fluent in English, Mandarin, and French.
Dr Andrew da Roza
- Earned a Master of Counselling from Monash University, Australia and a Master of Science in Addictions from a joint program by King’s College London, the Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, and the University of Adelaide, Australia.
- Specialises in treating love addiction, sex addiction, substance abuse, and anger management using techniques such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Serves as Chairman of We Care Community Services and a board member of the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association.
- Utilises his deep understanding of the recovery group community and the 12-step program to provide a comprehensive and empathetic approach to addiction treatment.
Dr Alexis Fosler
- Holds a Master of Science in International Addiction Studies from King’s College London, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Adelaide University.
- Earned a Master’s in Counselling from Monash University.
- Specialises in substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, eating disorders, gaming disorder, gambling disorder, trauma, and PTSD.
- Has served as a COO and CEO in the financial and wellness space in Asia.
- Actively participates in the Asia recovery community.
- Passionate about supporting clients throughout the stages of recovery to lead healthy, positive, and substance-free lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Love Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation in Singapore
What is the root cause of love addiction?
Past trauma, upbringing and even genetics can play a factor in someone developing love addiction. It can stem from a place of low self-esteem, low self-worth and a lack of self-love due to underlying causes. If you think that you or a loved one may be struggling with love addiction, speak to a healthcare professional to evaluate your condition and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Can you overcome love addiction?
With the proper care and treatment, it is possible to overcome love addiction. It will not be a short and easy journey, but with the right mindset and attitude, you can rebuild yourself and your relationship to achieve a happier and healthier life.
Why come to Visions by Promises for love addiction treatment and programmes?
We have many specialised healthcare professionals at our treatment centre that can offer the support you need to battle love addiction. With a deep focus on providing helpful insight to recognise and correct unhealthy patterns of behaviour, Visions by Promises strives to design treatment programmes that can help you overcome your addiction with confidence. Speak to our team today for more information.
Come Visit
#11-15/16, Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive,
Singapore 307608