Addiction to Love: Overcoming Obsession and Dependency in Relationships [Paperback]

Susan Peabody (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

Love addiction manifests in many forms, from Fatal Attraction-type obsessive lust to less extreme but nonetheless psychologically and emotionally harmful forms. The most common of these is staying in a bad relationship because of a fear of being alone-the "I hate you but don'¬?t leave me" relationship. In ADDICTION TO LOVE, recovering love addict Susan Peabody explains the variety of ways this disorder plays out, from the obsessively doting love addict to the addict who can'¬?t disentangle from an unfulfilling, dead-end relationship. Peabody provides an in-depth and easy-to-follow recovery program for those suffering from this unhealthy and often dangerous addiction and explains how to create a loving, safe, and fulfilling relationship.

A seminal work on unhealthy and obsessive behaviors in love, and how to change behavior to have a positive relationship. This third edition includes a new introduction and revisions to the text throughout.

Some symptoms of love addiction include love at first sight, excessive fantasizing, abnormal jealousy, nagging, and accepting dishonesty.

Even relationships with parents, children, siblings, or friends may be addictive-dependency is not always related to romantic love.

Previous editions have sold more than 40,000 copies."Love addiction is a three-headed serpent that Susan Peabody adeptly slays. This is the quintessential book for any love addict or counselor needing to fully understand this highly prevalent and complex disorder. Susan detects and dissects aspects of this condition not comprehended in other books of its kind. Recovery is possible. This book makes it possible to take the succinct steps necessary toward a loving and reciprocal long-term intimate relationship."-Sudi Scull, M.F.T., C.N., psychotherapist and nutritionist

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

SUSAN PEABODY is an experienced speaker, workshop leader, and author. She has helped thousands of people overcome love addiction. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; Revised edition (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890877157
• ISBN-13: 978-0890877159
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #523,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me a great deal!!, August 29, 2001

By 

"chadsdog" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Addiction to Love: Overcoming Obsession and Dependency in Relationships (Paperback)

In particular, I found it lifesaving to know that there was a narcissistic personality type--and I'd married one. There were times I thought I was going crazy dealing with my wife, but Susan Peabody's book helped me to see that I wasn't always guilty or always wrong. The relationship between my codependency and love addiction to a narcissist was defined in non-threatening terms, and I found myself more able to separate from her as a result of reading this book. Additionally, the strategies for getting and maintaining healthy relationships mentioned in this work continues to be of great help to me.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on love addiction, August 7, 2001

By 

Kathy M. Snyder (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Addiction to Love: Overcoming Obsession and Dependency in Relationships (Paperback)

This is a great book. I have always wondered if I might be a love addict and Susan's checklist of symptoms helped me see myself more clearly. I especially like the fact that she offers so much information about recovery. Every chapter has a section entitled "Suggestions for Change." And the whole second half of the book is about solving the problem of love addiction. There are chapters about facing your problem, making changes, getting therapy, going to support groups, healing the wounds of childhood trauma, building self-esteem, etc. She also offers advice about how to create a healthy, loving relationship once in recovery. Her bibliography is very helpful, as are all of her worksheets. Most of all, this book is easy to read. It is not weighed down with academic research; it just provides a wealth of information in straight-forward language -- a language that everyone can understand. I recommend this book to everyone who thinks they might have a problem with love

addiction.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, insightful and easy to read, May 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Addiction to Love: Overcoming Obsession and Dependency in Relationships (Paperback)

This book helped me see and understand some unhealthy patterns in my current relationship. If you have relationships that continue to go sour or if you see recurring patterns in your current relationship, I would recommend this book to you. If you are constantly hoping, wishing and waiting for the other person to change, read this book. It helps you realize the changes that need to come from within and how to realize those changes.