Using fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology, researchers have discovered that when a love junkie looks at a photo of their new partner or recalls a romantic memory, their brain lights up in the same regions as a cocaine addict’s brain when they see a line of powder.
By Dr. Nora Simmons, Relationship & Behavioral Health love junkie scan
While not a formal clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5 , the term "Love Junkie Scan" has gained traction in neuropsychology circles and recovery communities to describe the observable brain activity of individuals addicted to romantic intensity. This article peels back the curtain on what this metaphorical "scan" reveals, how to know if you need one, and the roadmap to rewiring your neural pathways for genuine, sustainable love. A "Love Junkie Scan" is not a single MRI image. Rather, it is a conceptual framework used by therapists to explain the overlap between romantic obsession and substance abuse disorder. This article peels back the curtain on what