Description
Book SynopsisPeople in any type of relationship may find themselves addicted to a cycle of self-destructive behaviors. Looking at lesbian relationships, Costine explores how these behaviors result in unhappiness and loneliness, as she discusses different types of lesbian love addiction and offers guidance on healing and breaking the cycle.
Trade ReviewDr. Costine created a thought-provoking platform and . . . her greatest talent is in connecting the dots. Theology, history, physiology, psychology and sociology intermingle to a specific end. She takes truths, re-examines and perhaps, repurposes those truths to create an interesting hypothesis. Lesbian Love Addiction shines a light on a particular manifestation of humanity and in better understanding that perspective; we're all positioned to better understand ourselves. Clearly, whether it's ancient Vikings, pre-Christian patriarchs, contemporary talk show hosts fretting about femi-nazis or presidential contenders wallowing in sexist slurs, the modern feminist has an ancient torch to bear. Dr. Costine is a gifted speaker, writer and philosopher and her work will continue to generate both heat and light. * Gay San Diego *
Lesbian Love Addiction: Understanding the Urge to Merge and How to Heal When Things Go Wrong discusses the phenomenon of love addiction that many lesbians suffer from, discussing the kinds of behaviors that lead to constant failed relationships and how the drive to merge with another at the cost of one's identity results in dysfunctional relationships. It's a common adage that lesbians meet, fall in love, and move in with one another in very short time frames; but Lesbian Love Addiction analyzes why, and provides important insights not just into behaviors, but how to modify them for greater success. The result is highly recommended for any psychology or women's issues collection. * Midwest Book Review *
Lauren Costine's voice illuminates a path for women outside dominant, heterosexist margins as they navigate love and desire. With excellent research, Costine offers sound theory and practice for lesbians suffering from addictive love and sex. A wonderful resource and a much needed addition to the emerging literary canon for women. -- Kelly McDaniel, LPC, NCC, Author: Ready to Heal: Breaking Free of Addictive Relationships
Nothing aids recovery more than the deep identification between one addict and another addict. My own experience has allowed me to help many love addicts. Lauren Costine's thoughtful and well-researched book gives me the opportunity to see love addiction through a "lesbian lens," to better identify with and help even more women. I am grateful to her. -- Ethlie Ann Vare, author of Love Addict: Sex Romance and Other Dangerous Drugs (2011)
Lesbian Love Addiction fills a critical gap in the literature on sex and love addiction. Lauren Costine uses research and field knowledge to shine a light in a problem area that desperately needs to be addressed, and her examples make the reading easily accessible for all. It's a welcome resource for professionals, lesbian love addicts, and their loved ones. -- Samantha Smithstein, PsyD, licensed clinical and forensic psychologist
Lauren has cracked the code to why so many of my family, friends and clients attach the way they do – in spite of the results. She then prescribes a new way of doing that is understandable and actionable. Brava! -- Brad Lamm, CIP, Founder of Breathe Life Healing Centers; Author of How to Help the One You Love
Table of ContentsForeword: Rob Weiss, LCSW, CSAT-S Introduction: Once Upon a Love Addiction 1.The Power of Our Physiology 2. The Way We Connect 3. What is Unique About Lesbian Love Addiction? 4. How We Merge and Spiral 5. Withdrawal: What It Is and How It Benefits Us 6. How to Develop a Healthy Relationship with Yourself and Others
