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Addiction Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert

“I was suffering the easily foreseeable consequences. Addiction is the hallmark of every infatuation-based love story. It all begins when the object of your adoration bestows upon you a heady, hallucinogenic dose of something you never dared to admit you wanted-an emotional speedball, perhaps, of…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
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““I was suffering the easily foreseeable consequences. Addiction is the hallmark of every infatuation-based love story. It all begins when the object of your adoration bestows upon you a heady, hallucinogenic dose of something you never dared to admit you wanted-an emotional speedball, perhaps, of thunderous love and roiling excitement. Soon you start craving that intense attention, with a hungry obsession of any junkie. When the drug is witheld, you promptly turn sick, crazy, and depleted (not to mention resentful of the dealer who encouraged this addiction in the first place but now refuses to pony up the good stuff anymore-- despite the fact that you know he has it hidden somewhere, goddamn it, because he used to give it to you for free). Next stage finds you skinny and shaking in a corner, certain only that you would sell your soul or rob your neighbors just to have 'that thing' even one more time. Meanwhile, the object of your adoration has now become repulsed by you. He looks at you like you're someone he's never met before, much less someone he once loved with high passion. The irony is,you can hardly blame him. I mean, check yourself out. You're a pathetic mess,unrecognizable even to your own eyes. So that's it. You have now reached infatuation's final destination-- the complete and merciless devaluation of self." - pg 20-21””

Elizabeth Gilbert

About This Quote

Source Book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2006

Intense infatuation mimics addiction, leading to self‑destruction when the object of desire withdraws.

In simple terms: Love can become an addictive obsession that erodes self‑worth.

Key Takeaway

Recognize unhealthy attachment patterns early.

Themes

love addiction self‑destruction psychology relationships

Mood

anguancholy reflective cautionary

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • breakup
  • relationship counseling
  • personal recovery
  • self‑care
  • mental health

Key Concepts

codependency emotional dependence self‑valuation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What signs indicate love has turned into addiction?
  • How can you maintain self‑worth when affection fades?
A Different Perspective

Recovery requires rebuilding identity beyond external validation.

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