Love Addiction Analysis

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Traditionally, substance dependence was a primary definition for an addiction. Today, an addiction can be defined as a continuous and compulsive condition where individuals crave/seek a stimuli that is required for survival despite the consequences for their actions (Burkett, 2012). There are many forms of addiction. However, love is one of the strongest sensations and emotions known to human beings (Reynaud, 2010). Love addiction can be a very powerful sensation that seems to distract individuals from making rational decision about the personal risks and rewards of their own behavior (Burkett, 2012). This form of addiction happens in three significant stages: euphoria (deep in love), attachment (territorial), relapse (craving). However, it is important to analyze how love addiction affects the brain. …show more content…
Euphoria, intense excitement and feelings, is what a love addict craves. When a love addict has a significant other, the neurochemical dopamine is released by the hypothalamus (responsible for hormone production) in the brain (Reynaud, 2010). Dopamine will give the individual the feeling of happiness and pleasure. Also, a love addict will experience increased levels of phenylethylamine (improving mood), endorphins (positivity and decreased pain), serotonin (sleep, mood and health), ocytocin (psychological stability, trust and love hormone) and testosterone (sex hormone) (Reynaud, 2010). Along with increased levels of “feel good” chemicals, a love addict will also experience a decrease in stress hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol. The more intense these feelings are, the stronger the release of these bio-chemicals (Reynaud, 2010). The increases and decreases of hormones will be euphoric for love

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