RITUAL

'The purpose of any ritual is to deepen one's commitment, to move a person deeper into a certain view of the world. Addictive rituals also have this purpose, pushing a person deeper into the the addictive process.'  

Craig Nakken, The Addictive Personality, p.44. 

THE NEED TO BE OUT OF CONTROL

'Addicts chase control - they believe they will find peace and happiness through total or perfect control. However, it's human to be imperfect and powerless, and chasing the illusion of control is really running away from the reality of being human. Addicts seek perfection instead of humanity.' 

Craig Nakken, The Addictive Personality, p.33. 

INTIMACY IS A SLOW BURNER

'Intimacy is something that is slowly built over time.'
Craig Nakken, The Addictive Personality, p.17. 

INTENSITY VS. INTIMACY

'Emotionally, addicts get intensity and intimacy mixed up.'

Craig Nakken, The Addictive Personality, p.15. 

ADDICTION & INTIMACY

'Addiction is an emotional relationship with an object or event, through which addicts try to meet their needs for intimacy.' 

Craig Nakken, The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior, p.8.