Do our addicts. Develop the same level of bonding with us as we do with them? Or are their brains working differently?
trauma bonding defined: Traumatic bonding occurs as the result of ongoing cycles of abuse in which the intermittent reinforcement of reward and punishment creates powerful emotional bonds that are resistant to change.
in this case the addict is also the abuser. the abuser does not "bond" with the victim, there isn't a level of dependency only a need to control
addicts who are not also abusers likely do develop strong feelings of "love" but they are usually tied up with "need" - need for the other to keep the funds flowing, need for the repeat acceptance of their unacceptable behavior, need to know they will be cared for, fed, clothed, housed, and told what a good boy/girl they are when they string 3 days together. need to keep up appearances, need to "look" normal. need to not be alone. addicts HATE to be alone.....altho everything they do pushes everyone away and they lose the ability to form connections for anything other than continued using.....drinking buddies, dope man, pot connection.