Are You Addicted to the Highs and Lows? How Trauma Bonding Creates Emotional Dependency on Them

Photo byAshkan ForouzanionUnsplash

This article was written with the help of AI.

Trauma bonds with narcissists often feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. The highs—the moments of affection and validation—are so intoxicating that they make the lows—neglect, manipulation, and abuse—seem tolerable. But are you addicted to this emotional chaos?

Narcissists keep you hooked by alternating between love-bombing and devaluation. This unpredictability creates a powerful emotional dependency, making the highs feel like rewards you need to earn. Over time, this cycle becomes addictive, as you start chasing those fleeting moments of affection, believing that if you just try harder, you can keep the good times coming.

Breaking free from this emotional dependency requires recognizing that the highs are part of the manipulation. The rush of validation is temporary, and the emotional toll of the lows far outweighs the occasional rewards. Once you acknowledge this, you can begin to detach from the cycle and heal from the trauma bond.

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