Skip to content

I've been in love before, it's like a narcotic. At first…

“I've been in love before, it's like a narcotic. At first it brings the euphoria of complete surrender. The next day you want more. You're not addicted yet, but you like the sensation, and you think you can still control things.You think about the person you love for two minutes then forget them…” quote by Paulo Coelho
Download Open image
““I've been in love before, it's like a narcotic. At first it brings the euphoria of complete surrender. The next day you want more. You're not addicted yet, but you like the sensation, and you think you can still control things.You think about the person you love for two minutes then forget them for three hours. But then you get used to that person, and you begin to be completely dependent on them. Now you think about him for three hours and forget him for two minutes. If he's not there, you feel like an addict who can't get a fix. And just as addicts steal and humiliate themselves to get what they need, you're willing to do anything for love."- By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept””

Paulo Coelho

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Love can feel like an addictive high, shifting dependence and desire over time.

In simple terms: Love can become addictive and change habits.

Key Takeaway

Recognize healthy boundaries in relationships.

Themes

love addiction dependency emotion

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

philosophical emotional

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • emotional cycles
  • self‑care

Key Concepts

Romantic addiction psychology of love

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance love’s intensity with personal autonomy?
  • What signs indicate love is becoming unhealthy?
A Different Perspective

Addiction metaphor may oversimplify complex emotions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Paulo Coelho

Explore all 3,665 Paulo Coelho quotes

More Addict quotes

Browse all 634 Addict quotes