Addictions aren’t always in the form of drugs and alcohol,
\nthey can also manifest in the form of relationships. Toxic relationships are
\nextremely common and not just among drug addicts. An individual can get caught
\nup in the chaos of an unhealthy relationship with another human being. In the
\ncase of a romantic relationship, both parties can become addicted to the rush
\nof chaos and drama. It may seem completely ridiculous to a normal thinking
\nhuman being, for someone to remain in a relationship that is abusive, violent,
\nchaotic and potentially extremely dangerous. To the individual that is living
\nin the relationship, they can’t imagine a healthy interaction with their
\nsignificant other. In their mind, their interactions with their significant
\nother are normal. What these individuals lack are proper keys to communication.
\nThey can’t imagine a relationship that would be healthy, encouraging and sane. <\/p>\n
The theme of toxic relationships can be seen in Eminem and
\nRihanna’s song “Love The Way You Lie”, there is a second part to that song on
\nRihanna’s “Loud” CD that exemplifies the patterns found in a toxic
\nrelationship. She speaks of trying to run but not wanting to leave and she
\nquestions if she is a masochist for staying in a turbulent relationship. Both
\nsongs are great examples of the explosive reality of an unhealthy relationship.<\/p>\n
Not having a conscious idea of what a “normal” relationship
\nentails is not uncommon for individuals that have other addiction issues. Many
\nof the toxic relationships that are seen involve addiction or mental conditions
\nin both parties. The rush of the chaos explosion that slowly boils and erupts
\nfills a need within the individuals in the relationship. For some, they only
\nknow violent love. They may think that the only way for someone to show their
\nlove is to yell and scream and possible become physically violent. Until they
\nsee that relationships between people don’t have to be dramatic in order to be
\nfulfilling, they will continue to engage in relationships that are toxic. An
\nimportant aspect of recovering from these harmful interactions involves
\nprofessional help and time.<\/p>\n
While the person who thrives on toxic relationships
\nundergoes treatment, they will learn how to communicate more effectively. They
\nwill also learn that they are worthy of healthy love. They will also learn that
\na non-drama ridden relationship, although seeming mundane and boring in the
\nbeginning, can be extremely satisfying. The element of taking the time to heal
\nis crucial. Jumping into a toxic relationship after toxic relationship is a
\nhabit that needs to be stopped. This is not an easy task but when one learns
\nwhat a healthy relationship looks like, they can start to implement ways to
\neither heal relationships they currently have or walk away from relationships
\nthat are never going to change. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Addicts are comfortable in the chaotic, drama driven life
\nthat they live. Once they become comfortable with the uncomfortable feeling of
\n“normal” and “sane”, they can progress to a possibility of engaging in healthy
\nactivities with other human beings. Thus, there is hope and everyone deserves
\nhaving a safe, healthy and sane relationship.<\/p>\n
Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Recovery and Life Coach in private practice and on Celebrity Rehab on VH1 with Dr. Drew Pinsky. Contact Sherry at sherry@sgabatherapy.com to discuss her recovery and life coaching packages, psychotherapy, workshops, up-coming book signings and speaking engagements, or teleseminars.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Addictions aren’t always in the form of drugs and alcohol, they can also manifest in the form of relationships. Toxic relationships are extremely common and not just among drug addicts. An individual can get caught up in the chaos of an unhealthy relationship with another human being. In the case of a romantic relationship, both…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":402,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,14,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-addiction","category-recovery","category-sobriety"],"yoast_head":"\n