Why Some People Are Addicted to Toxic Relationships (And How to Break Free)

Let’s be honest — no one wants to be in a toxic relationship. Yet somehow, despite the red flags, the emotional whiplash, and the tears cried in the dark, some people find themselves stuck in them… again and again.

Photo by Jessica Tan on Unsplash

If this feels familiar, know this: you’re not weak. You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone.

There’s a reason toxic relationships can feel so addictive. It’s not just emotional. It’s biochemical, psychological, and in some cases, generational. But here’s the good news: once you understand why you’re drawn to dysfunction, you can start to reclaim your power — and break free for good.

In this article, we’re diving deep into the psychology behind toxic relationship addiction, what it looks like, and most importantly — how to heal.

First, What Makes a Relationship “Toxic”?

Not all unhealthy relationships are toxic — but toxic relationships have a very distinct flavor.

They are marked by patterns of:

• Emotional volatility
• Control or manipulation