Addiction and Recovery

Bridging the gap between toxic partners, addicts and those who love them

Sherry Gaba LCSW

The Effects of Narcissistic Supply in a Toxic Relationship

Most couples describe a healthy, loving relationship as one of give and take. But a relationship with a narcissist is often based on one person getting his or her needs satisfied and never returning any of the value to the other. 

The Difference Between Healthy And Unhealthy Love

In healthy love, each individual maintains a sense of self. She or he may give to the partner but never expect to have to give more than they are comfortable providing.

Why Strong Women and Narcissists Attract Each Other

The narcissist uses a sense of self-confidence and assurance to portray an attractive personality to a confident, successful partner. Achieving a conquest is part of what drives narcissistic behavior in relationships.

Recognizing a Passive-Aggressive Narcissist

A common perception about narcissists is that they are loud, over-the-top, and extremely visible in their sense of grandiosity and their feelings of superiority over others. That's not the case for the covert narcissist.

Narcissists, Relationships, and Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance can occur in a range of different situations—including in relationships. Simply put, cognitive dissonance is having two very different thoughts or beliefs about something.

Spotting the Hoovering Techniques of a Narcissist

One of the most frightening prospects for a narcissist is being forced to live without someone to blame for their problems.

How Narcissists Withhold Love to Control Their Partners

A narcissist's cycle of behavior in a relationship begins with "love bombing" and ends in abuse.

The Methods Narcissists Use to Traumatize Their Victims

A relationship with a narcissist may start out as a dream before turning into a roller coaster ride.

The Role of Shame in Being Attracted to Narcissists

Shame is something that is very normal for anyone to feel and experience throughout life. Shame is different than regret or sadness.

What Is a Toxic Relationship?

Signs of a toxic relationship may take months or even years to evolve. Here are the typical signs to watch out for.

Toxic Positivity: How It Relates to Unhealthy Relationships

Generally, positivity is considered a good thing. However, there are situations where always looking for the positive creates a potentially negative and dangerous scenario.

The Link Between Anxious Attachment and Craving Relationships

Moving from insecure to secure attachment styles is essential in recovering from love addiction. Here are three ways to address your anxious attachment style.

How Do I Detach From a Narcissist?

Getting into a relationship with a narcissist is easy, but getting out of this relationship is difficult.

Signs You Are Struggling With Healthy Relationships

Almost everyone has experienced a bad relationship due to another person's actions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Why Do Anxious Attachment Styles Stay in Toxic Relationships?

Most people do not know why they seem to have problems choosing a partner or why they may stay in dysfunctional, toxic, or destructive relationships.

Carrying a Wounded Inner Child Into Your Relationships?

One of the realities of life for many adults is growing up without a happy, stable, loving childhood.

Stop Defending and Explaining Yourself to a Narcissist

Successful strategies to stop defending and explaining yourself to a narcissist.

Why Narcissists Attract People-Pleasers

The extreme selfishness and the extreme lack of self in the relationship creates a situation where two parts can find, in each other, a connection they lack with others.

Leaving Behind Guilt When You Leave a Narcissist or Addict

For people in a relationship with a narcissist or an addict, there is still a genuine concern for the other person.

The Relationship Between Trauma Survivors And Narcissists

Many people with trauma have experiences that date back to their early childhood years.

Recognizing The Anxious Attachment Style

Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals recognize four different types of attachment styles.

Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze and the Fawn Response

Most people have some level of awareness of PTSD, particularly as it applies to people returning from the war zones

When Love Addiction Turns Into Love Avoidance

Love addicts may stay in destructive, damaging, and abusive relationships rather than leave.

When Love Feels Like An Addiction

Within a relationship with an addict or narcissist, there is a specific dynamic in place.

Are You in a Relationship with No Give and Take?

Healthy relationships are designed to be a give and take, with both partners working together to provide support, encouragement, and compassion.

Hello Again

Even if you are not familiar with the term "boomerang relationship," you will immediately recognize the pattern of behavior.

Recognize the Warning Signs of Controlling Relationships

You could be in a controlling relationship without even realizing it. Manipulative and dominating behavior can sometimes be subtle, but the effects are still deep.

Loving an Addict or Alcoholic: How to Help Them and Yourself

If you are struggling, there are some effective strategies and options to consider.

Don't Get Hooked Back Into a Bad Relationship

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a world where social distancing and self-isolation are not just optional; they are required.

Tips for Managing Toxic Parents

Managing toxic people in your life is very different based on your relationship to the individual.

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