Relationship Addiction: Definition, Signs, Causes, Treatment

Relationship addiction is a hidden but impactful issue affecting individuals who rely on romantic partnerships for their self-worth and emotional stability. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 29% of adults in Nevada report symptoms of anxiety or depression, a rate that reflects the state’s broader struggles with emotional regulation and behavioral health. 

Rooted in unresolved trauma, low self-esteem, and dysfunctional family dynamics, relationship addiction leads to toxic patterns of dependency, anxiety, and emotional burnout. Relationship addiction quietly disrupts emotional well-being and daily life, mainly when driven by unresolved trauma or low self-worth. In Nevada, access to trauma-informed care, group therapy, and holistic support makes recovery possible, helping individuals break unhealthy patterns and build stable, fulfilling relationships.

What Is Relationship Addiction?

Relationship addiction, also known as co-dependency, is a behavioral condition where a person becomes emotionally dependent on a partner for their sense of identity, self-worth, and emotional stability. Instead of supporting each other equally, the relationship becomes one-sided, leading to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and impaired judgment.

This dynamic usually stems from unresolved trauma, childhood neglect, or dysfunctional family systems. The addicted person feels incomplete or anxious without constant validation or connection to their partner, which results in clinging behaviors and an inability to set healthy boundaries.

Can You Be Addicted to a Person?

Yes, it is possible to be addicted to a person. Relationship addiction shares many features with substance and behavioral addictions. Individuals experience emotional highs and lows, obsessive thinking, withdrawal-like symptoms when apart, and compulsive behaviors to maintain the relationship at any cost.

Studies suggest this form of addiction is rooted in attachment wounds and brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, released during bonding and intimacy, reinforce unhealthy dependency patterns, especially in those with a history of trauma or emotional neglect.

What Are the Main Causes of Relationship Addiction?

The leading causes of relationship addiction are a mix of psychological, social, and environmental factors. These include unresolved childhood trauma, low self-esteem, dysfunctional family dynamics, and cultural norms that romanticize emotional dependence.

Psychological Factors

The psychological factors of relationship addiction are as follows:

• Low self-esteem: Individuals who lack confidence seek their partner’s approval and validation to feel worthy. This creates dependency, and emotional instability arises when that validation isn’t constant.
• Unresolved trauma: Childhood experiences, such as neglect, emotional abuse, or abandonment, leave lasting wounds. Without healing, these early traumas drive adults toward relationships as a source of security they never received.
• Fear of abandonment: A persistent undercurrent of dread about being left alone makes individuals cling to relationships, even toxic ones, out of fear, rather than genuine connection.
• Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty managing strong emotions leads to reactive behaviors. In relational settings, this manifests as extreme dependency during distressing times or conflict.

Social and Environmental Factors

The social and environmental factors are as follows:

• Dysfunctional family dynamics: Those who grow up in households with emotional enmeshment, parental substance misuse, neglect, or unresolved conflict normalize dependency. In Nevada, about 30% of adults report family substance issues during childhood, heightening their vulnerability to relationship addiction later in life.
• Cultural expectations: Community beliefs that praise self-sacrifice, “saving” partners, or putting relationship needs before one’s own, unintentionally normalize codependent behaviors. Even support groups in Reno or Las Vegas emphasize self-care and healthy boundaries to counteract these expectations, helping prevent emotional dependence from taking root.

How Does Relationship Addiction Affect Mental and Physical Health?

Relationship addiction affects mental and physical well-being by creating a cycle of emotional dependency, chronic stress, and neglect of self-care. Individuals struggling with this form of addiction prioritize their partner’s needs over their own, leading to emotional burnout and physiological strain. Over time, the persistent instability, anxiety, and emotional pain associated with toxic relationship patterns take a significant toll on both the mind and body.

Mental Health Effects

The mental health effects of relationship addiction are as follows:

• Anxiety and depression: The emotional rollercoaster of unstable or one-sided relationships triggers chronic anxiety, sadness, and a deep sense of hopelessness. In Nevada, high emotional stress from unhealthy partnerships compounds existing mental health struggles, especially when access to support is limited in rural areas.
• Low self-esteem: Constantly seeking validation from a partner, especially when that validation is inconsistent or withheld, erodes self-worth, reinforcing the belief that one’s value depends on being in a relationship.
• Obsessive thoughts: Individuals become fixated on their partner’s behavior, availability, or approval, which consumes mental energy, impairs concentration at work or school, and leads to compulsive behaviors like over-texting or social media stalking.
• Emotional volatility: Emotional reactions swing dramatically based on perceived slights, fear of abandonment, or perceived rejection. This instability mimics symptoms of borderline personality traits or unresolved trauma, making emotional regulation difficult.

Physical Health Effects

The physical health effects of relationship addiction are as follows:

• Sleep disruptions: Stress, emotional hypervigilance, or late-night worry about the relationship interfere with sleep onset and quality, leading to insomnia or restless sleep patterns.
• Chronic fatigue: Persistent emotional labor, especially when the relationship lacks reciprocity, drains the body’s energy. This leaves individuals too exhausted to focus on work, hobbies, or self-care.
• Immune suppression: Long-term exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness. This is especially concerning for individuals in Nevada dealing with co-occurring physical health issues or limited access to preventive care.
• Headaches and muscle tension: The body absorbs emotional pain through physical symptoms. Tension headaches, neck pain, and back stiffness are common among those who internalize anxiety and emotional stress related to the relationship.

How Is Relationship Addiction Different from Healthy Relationships?

Relationship addiction differs significantly from healthy relationships in its foundation and dynamics. While healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, emotional balance, trust, and personal autonomy, relationship addiction is rooted in emotional dependency and fear of abandonment.

Relationship addiction is different from a healthy relationship in the following ways:

Feature	Healthy Relationship	Relationship Addiction
Emotional balance	Partners support each other	One partner overly depends on the other
Boundaries	Clear and respected	Frequently violated or blurred
Communication	Open and assertive	Clingy, passive, or manipulative
Identity	Individuality preserved	Self-worth depends on a partner

What Are the Key Signs of Relationship Addiction?

The key signs of relationship addiction are fear of loneliness, obsessive thoughts, low self-esteem, and mental health issues. Recognizing the signs of relationship addiction helps individuals seek support early. 

The key signs of relationship addiction include:

Emotional and Behavioral Signs

The key behavioral signs of relationship addiction include:

• Fear of being alone
• Clinginess and obsessive thoughts about the partner
• Justifying abuse or mistreatment
• Frequent breakups and reconciliations
• Neglecting friends, family, or personal interests
• Using sex or affection to resolve conflict

Psychological Symptoms

The key psychological signs of relationship addiction include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional volatility and irritability

Physical Symptoms

The key physical signs of relationship addiction include:

• Sleep issues
• Fatigue and muscle tension
• Headaches and gastrointestinal issues

How Is Relationship Addiction Diagnosed?

Relationship addiction is diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional through clinical evaluation, behavioral assessments, and a review of the person’s relationship patterns over time. While it is not officially listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), it is recognized in clinical settings as a form of maladaptive coping or behavioral addiction. Mental health experts assess the emotional intensity, dependency, and impairment caused by relationship behaviors to differentiate it from other conditions such as depression, borderline personality disorder, or general attachment anxiety.

The diagnostic tools and methods used are as follows:

• Codependency Assessment Questionnaire (CAQ): This self-report tool screens for codependent traits such as excessive caretaking, poor boundaries, and emotional enmeshment. It helps identify patterns of putting others’ needs above one’s own to an unhealthy extent.
• Friel Co-Dependency Inventory: Developed by therapists John and Linda Friel, this inventory assesses how early family dynamics and unresolved trauma influence adult relationship patterns. It explores behaviors like control, denial, repression, and dependency.
• Clinical Interviews: A therapist conducts in-depth interviews to understand the individual’s relational history, attachment style, and emotional regulation challenges. These interviews uncover patterns like fear of abandonment, impulsivity in relationships, and difficulty functioning independently.

What Are the Best Treatments for Relationship Addiction in Nevada?

The best treatments for relationship addiction in Nevada include trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, family or couples counseling, and holistic therapies. These approaches address both the emotional roots and behavioral patterns that fuel unhealthy relationship dependency.

The best treatments for relationship addiction in Nevada are as follows:

Trauma-Informed Therapy

This therapy helps individuals process unresolved trauma, such as childhood neglect or past abusive relationships, that contribute to fear of abandonment and emotional dependency. Nevada providers integrate trauma care due to the state’s high rates of domestic violence and adverse childhood experiences.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps clients identify distorted beliefs like “I need a partner to feel complete” and replace them with healthier thoughts. It also teaches boundary-setting, emotional regulation, and independence, skills critical for breaking addictive relationship patterns.

Group Therapy

Group settings offer peer accountability and reduce isolation, which is common among people with relationship addiction. Sharing experiences and receiving structured feedback helps participants recognize codependent behaviors and adopt healthier relational habits.

Family or Couples Therapy

Family therapy focuses on improving communication, reducing emotional enmeshment, and restructuring unhealthy relationship roles. It’s instrumental in Nevada, where family stressors and co-addiction dynamics are everyday.

Experiential Therapies

Mindfulness, movement-based therapies (e.g., yoga), message therapy, and expressive arts are used to manage stress and rebuild self-connection. These practices help individuals reduce anxiety, develop internal coping tools, and shift focus away from external validation.

Are There Support Groups for Relationship Addiction in Nevada?

Yes, there are support groups for relationship addiction in Nevada that offer a nonjudgmental space to share experiences and learn from others.

The support groups for relationship addiction in Nevada include:

• Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA): 12-step program for those struggling with codependency.
• Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA): Support for individuals addicted to love or relationships.
• Online forums and mental health communities: Provide accessible, anonymous peer support.

How Can You Start Healing from Relationship Addiction?

You can start healing from relationship addiction by recognizing the problem, seeking professional support, and actively working toward emotional independence. Healing begins with awareness, experienced guidance, and a commitment to personal growth. Recovery is not instant, but every step builds a stronger foundation for healthier relationships.

Here are the first steps to begin healing:

• Acknowledge the problem: Identify repeated patterns of emotional dependence, fear of being alone, or staying in unhealthy relationships. Awareness is the first step toward change.
• Seek therapy: Work with a licensed therapist who understands trauma, attachment styles, and codependency. Professional guidance helps you uncover the roots of your behavior and build healthier coping strategies.
• Set boundaries: Learn how to protect your emotional space by saying no, limiting overinvestment in others, and prioritizing your own well-being. Boundaries are essential for building self-respect and autonomy.
• Rebuild your identity: Reconnect with who you are outside of relationships. Engage in hobbies, strengthen friendships, explore personal goals, and practice self-care routines that affirm your value.
• Join a support group: Peer support, whether through 12-step programs like CoDA or therapist-led groups, reduces shame, offers perspective, and reminds you that you’re not alone in the healing process.