Self-Care Haven and Narcissism

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Self-Care Haven and Narcissism
Why You're "Addicted" to the Narcissist or Psychopath
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Why You're "Addicted" to the Narcissist or Psychopath

Addicted to the hot and cold cycle of dysfunction? You're not alone.

Shahida Arabi, MA's avatar
Shahida Arabi, MA
Apr 18, 2025
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Self-Care Haven and Narcissism
Why You're "Addicted" to the Narcissist or Psychopath
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shallow focus photo of man kissing woman
Photo by Lauren Rader on Unsplash

Often, survivors of narcissists and psychopaths have difficulty understanding why they struggle to let go of the toxic relationship. Why is it that despite the uncertainty of the dysfunctional cycle, they still feel trapped in the trauma bond? Why do they feel so addicted to the hot and cold behavior? Why does nothing else seem to compare to the toxic relationship? The answer lies in a manipulation tactic known as intermittent reinforcement.

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