Understanding Emotional Addiction

Emotional addiction is when we're addicted to the highs and lows of cortisol and adrenaline within our body: pic.twitter.com/pbNldRiqq4

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

When we're raised in chaotic, unpredictable, or unsafe environments: the body becomes dependent on emotions like fear, shame, and chronic stress.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

Unconsciously, we need "hits" of strong emotions to feel alive or like ourselves. Even if these experiences and emotions bring us suffering.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

This is why crisis makes many people feel 'good' or needed. It's a distraction from deeper unresolved feelings and a way to connect with people on a surface level.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

In childhood, connection with family members happened through crisis, drama, and fear of abandonment, we seek adult relationships and careers that mimic these same emotional patterns.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

If you were raised with cycles of emotional addiction, stable relationships or secure people can feel "boring" or unappealing.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

Instead our subconscious mind seeks "excitement" or unpredictable people and situations. And our nervous system is in a chronic state of fight or flight.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

To heal, we have to remove ourselves from activating, addictive, high stress relationships and situations. We have to teach our body how to adjust and feel safe in stability.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023

It takes time, rest, and commitment for peace and stillness to actually feel good.

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) April 5, 2023