Hooked on Hope: Dopamine for a Dope

Narcissists rely on “intermittent reinforcement,” offering up random “hits” of love and affection interspersed with neglect and abuse, causing the release of highly addictive dopamine and other chemicals in our brains. These few tasty morsels are what keep us hooked into these emotionally destructive relationships… After all, who wants to go through the painful and oh-so-difficult process of withdrawal?