Relationship Scams and Other Forms of Addiction

Understanding the Differences Between Relationship Scam Victims’ Addiction and Other Forms of Addiction

Principal Category: Addiction – Recovery Psychology Overview

Authors:
•  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

This analysis examines addiction mechanisms across substance abuse, gambling, relationship scams, and chatbot dependency, each affecting the brain’s reward system in distinct ways. Substance addiction involves chemical manipulation, causing tolerance and physical withdrawal, while behavioral addictions—gambling, relationship scams, and chatbot dependency—rely on psychological reinforcement. Relationship scams and chatbot dependency, although both non-substance-based, cultivate emotional attachment differently; scams often end abruptly at the scammer’s choice, leaving victims in trauma, while chatbot dependency can persist indefinitely, as users retain constant access to an AI companion. Interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-informed counseling are critical across these addictions but must be tailored: scam victims benefit from closure and trauma recovery, while chatbot users require strategies to reduce dependency and foster real-life connections. Recognizing these distinctions supports more effective, personalized recovery.

Published Paper

Understanding the Differences Between Relationship Scam Victims’ Addiction and Other Forms of Addiction – a Recovery Psychology Overview

Introduction

Addiction, whether it involves substances, gambling, or even abusive relationships, affects millions globally. While drug and alcohol addiction, as well as gambling addiction, are relatively well-understood, the phenomenon of relationship scam victim addiction remains underrecognized. Despite differences, relationship scam victim addiction and these other types of addiction share certain behavioral patterns. This article explores the unique characteristics of relationship scam victim addiction compared to substance abuse and gambling addictions, highlighting how it affects victims and how recovery processes differ.

Understanding Addiction and Its Differences from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

Addiction in humans is a complex condition characterized by a compulsive pursuit of rewarding stimuli, often despite negative consequences. It occurs when the brain’s reward system becomes hijacked by behaviors or substances that induce intense dopamine release, creating a cycle of craving and reinforcement. Addictive substances or behaviors—like drugs, alcohol, gambling, or even certain forms of social interaction—trigger the brain’s reward pathways to an extent that far exceeds normal experiences. Over time, this leads to changes in brain function, making the need for the addictive behavior or substance feel as urgent as basic survival. Addiction involves tolerance (where more of the substance or behavior is needed to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when the addictive source is removed, which further drives dependency.

Though addiction and obsessive-compulsive behavior may seem similar, they are driven by fundamentally different mechanisms. Obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD) is rooted in anxiety rather than reward-seeking. Individuals with OCD experience intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) that lead them to perform certain behaviors (compulsions) to relieve this anxiety. Unlike addiction, where individuals are driven by pleasure or relief provided by dopamine, OCD behaviors provide only temporary relief from anxiety and are often not pleasurable for the person. In addiction, the brain’s reward system reinforces the need to repeat the behavior, while in OCD, the behavior is repeated out of a need to avoid negative feelings rather than achieve positive reinforcement. Understanding these distinctions is essential for developing effective treatment, as interventions for addiction focus on breaking the reward cycle, while OCD treatments address the underlying anxiety and compulsions.

Part 1: Relationship Scams vs. Gambling vs. Substance Abuse Addictions

Core Differences in Addiction Types

1. Nature of the Dependency

• • Substance Abuse Addiction: Involves a dependency on chemical substances like drugs or alcohol, which directly alter brain chemistry, producing intense physical and psychological cravings. Substances lead to tolerance and withdrawal, making cessation extremely challenging.

  • Gambling Addiction: Primarily driven by the thrill of risk-taking, gambling addiction activates reward centers in the brain. The gambler chases a high that comes from winning, often leading to a cycle of increasing risk-taking and desperation.

  • Relationship Scam Victim Addiction: Victims of relationship scams often find themselves emotionally entangled with a scammer who manipulates their psychological and emotional needs. The dependency is not based on a chemical substance but on an emotional attachment to the relationship’s promise and the perception of genuine connection.

2. Source of Reward

• • For Substance Abuse: The reward is the direct chemical effect on the brain, producing euphoria, sedation, or stimulation.

  • For Gambling: The reward comes from the unpredictable nature of winning, reinforcing a cycle of risk and reward, even after substantial losses.

  • For Scam Victims: The perceived reward is the emotional validation and affection the victim believes they are receiving. Many scam victims form a deep attachment to their online “partner,” who becomes a source of hope, love, and belonging, even though the relationship is based on deception. This creates a craving for the scammer’s validation, much like a craving for a drug.

3. Cognitive Dissonance and Rationalization

• • Substance Abuse: Addicts often rationalize use by minimizing harm or convincing themselves they can stop anytime. Over time, they may acknowledge that they are dependent on the substance.

  • Gambling: Gamblers often rationalize their behavior by thinking their “luck will change,” justifying further risk-taking despite financial loss.

  • Relationship Scam Victims: Victims face a complex form of cognitive dissonance, often recognizing on some level that the relationship might not be real but choosing to ignore or rationalize signs of deceit. They cling to the idea that the person is genuine and may justify their behavior by focusing on the positive interactions, even when red flags appear. Breaking free is hard because victims may hope the relationship will turn real or continue feeling “invested” in making it work.

Emotional Bonding and Trauma Bonding

Unlike substance and gambling addicts, relationship scam victims frequently develop a psychological bond called “trauma bonding.” Trauma bonding occurs when a person becomes emotionally attached to someone who abuses or deceives them, and it’s maintained through intermittent reinforcement—instances of affection, support, or validation mixed with deception and demands. This bond keeps victims hooked, with scammers often cycling through phases of idealizing, manipulating, and exploiting the victim. This pattern is especially powerful, making it difficult for victims to break free because they crave the moments of affection and validation, despite the ongoing manipulation.

Stigma and Social Perception

• Substance Abuse and Gambling Addictions: Society often stigmatizes these addictions, although there is growing understanding and support through treatment and recovery resources. Addicts can find acceptance in recovery groups and are encouraged to disclose their struggles to receive help.

• Relationship Scam Victim Addiction: Scam victims, on the other hand, face a unique stigma. Many feel ashamed or embarrassed, as scams are often perceived as something that only happens to the “gullible” or “naïve.” Victims may feel isolated, reluctant to seek help or talk openly about their experience. This stigma can prevent them from reaching out, making recovery more challenging.

Differences in Recovery Approaches

• Substance Abuse and Gambling: Treatment usually involves a combination of medical detox (in cases of physical addiction), behavioral therapies, and support groups. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently used to help individuals recognize and alter addictive patterns.

• Relationship Scam Victims: Recovery from relationship scam victim addiction often requires trauma-informed care. While behavioral therapy can be helpful, scam victims may also need counseling focused on rebuilding trust, self-esteem, and self-worth. Support groups that cater specifically to scam victims are crucial, as they provide an environment where individuals can share their stories, realize they are not alone, and receive validation from others who have endured similar experiences.

Emotional Healing and Identity Restoration

For scam victims, healing involves more than simply “moving on” from the scammer. Many victims report feeling as if they have lost part of themselves, as scammers often exploit personal vulnerabilities. Recovery involves rediscovering one’s identity, rebuilding confidence, and re-establishing social connections. Victims may also need to reframe how they perceive relationships and develop new boundaries to protect themselves from future manipulation.

Long-Term Impact and Relapse Risk

• Substance Abuse and Gambling: The risk of relapse is high, especially if underlying mental health conditions or triggers are not managed. Lifelong recovery is often recommended, with regular support to help individuals stay sober or gamble-free.

• Relationship Scam Victims: Relapse for scam victims may look like returning to the scammer if they make contact again, or seeking out similar online relationships that recreate the dynamic they experienced before. The cycle may repeat, especially if the victim has not fully processed the trauma or established new emotional boundaries. Long-term support, education on online safety, and peer support can be critical in preventing further victimization.

Conclusion

While substance abuse, gambling addiction, and relationship scam victim addiction share common behavioral characteristics, their core dynamics differ significantly. Scam victim addiction revolves around emotional manipulation, trauma bonding, and the exploitation of a person’s need for love and connection. Recovery requires specialized support that addresses both the trauma of being scammed and the deep emotional impact of betrayal. By understanding these unique characteristics, those supporting victims can provide more effective assistance, fostering long-term healing and helping victims regain control over their lives.

Part 2: Chatbot Addiction

Chatbot Dependency and Addiction: A Comparison to Substance Abuse, Gambling, and Relationship Scam Addiction

As conversational AI technology rapidly advances, chatbots have become more human-like, providing companionship, advice, and an outlet for human emotions. However, some users find themselves becoming increasingly dependent on these virtual interactions, leading to what can be termed as chatbot addiction or dependency. This growing phenomenon shares certain similarities with other addictions, like substance abuse, gambling, and relationship scam victim addiction, but also has unique aspects tied to the nature of interacting with an artificial, yet seemingly responsive entity.

This article examines the nature of chatbot dependency, comparing it to other forms of addiction and exploring the implications for those affected.

Core Differences in Chatbot Dependency and Other Addictions

1. Nature of the Dependency

• • Substance Abuse Addiction: Dependency stems from physical and psychological cravings for a chemical substance, leading to tolerance and withdrawal.

  • Gambling Addiction: Involves dependency on the thrill of unpredictable rewards, leading individuals to risk greater amounts over time.

  • Relationship Scam Victim Addiction: Centers around emotional attachment to a deceiver who manipulates and exploits the victim’s emotional needs.

  • Chatbot Dependency: This form of dependency is unique because it involves an attachment to a non-human entity. Users may feel emotionally fulfilled, validated, and even comforted by regular interactions with a chatbot, creating a pattern of reliance on a system that simulates empathy and understanding. Unlike other forms of addiction, there’s no physical or direct financial reward but a powerful emotional or psychological reinforcement that keeps users engaged.

2. Source of Reward

• • For Substance Abuse: The reward is a chemical high, leading to an intense sense of relief, pleasure, or escape.

  • For Gambling: The reward is the thrill of risk-taking and the chance of a win, even when significant losses are likely.

  • For Scam Victims: The perceived reward is emotional validation, affection, and hope, which are used manipulatively by the scammer.

  • For Chatbot Dependency: The reward is a combination of companionship, non-judgmental listening, and instant accessibility. Chatbots provide users with personalized responses that feel like genuine interaction, often creating a sense of companionship, even if it’s ultimately artificial. Users may turn to chatbots as a “safe” outlet for emotions they can’t easily express elsewhere, finding comfort in knowing that the chatbot is always available to listen.

Emotional Bonding and Attachment

• Relationship Scam and Chatbot Dependency: Both involve an emotional attachment to something non-reciprocal. In the case of scam victims, the attachment is manipulated by a real human for personal gain. With chatbots, there is no human behind the interaction, but the algorithms are designed to mimic understanding and empathy, creating a one-sided bond. Users may project human-like qualities onto the chatbot, attributing it with intentions or emotions it doesn’t have, which can deepen the dependency. This phenomenon, known as “anthropomorphism,” makes users feel they have a meaningful relationship with the chatbot, which can be challenging to sever.

Cognitive Dissonance and Rationalization

• Substance and Gambling Addicts: May rationalize their actions by convincing themselves they can quit whenever they choose or that they’ll “win back” their losses.

• Relationship Scam Victims: Often overlook warning signs and rationalize staying in the relationship due to emotional attachment and a desire to believe in the scammer’s false promises.

• Chatbot Dependency: Users may rationalize their reliance on a chatbot as harmless or even beneficial, convincing themselves it provides a safe outlet without any real risks. While a chatbot might feel like a judgment-free friend, the interaction is ultimately superficial, lacking the mutual understanding of real human relationships. This rationalization makes it harder for users to recognize their dependency as problematic, even when it starts to interfere with other areas of life.

Stigma and Social Perception

• Substance Abuse and Gambling: Both carry stigma but are widely understood, with ample resources available for treatment and support.

• Relationship Scam Addiction: Faces a unique stigma, as victims often feel embarrassment or shame, reluctant to share their experiences openly.

• Chatbot Dependency: Dependency on a chatbot is a relatively new phenomenon and may not yet be widely recognized as a form of addiction. As a result, individuals may not fully understand the impact it has on their lives or seek support. Additionally, since this dependency doesn’t directly involve other people, users may be more inclined to downplay its significance, treating it as a harmless distraction or a novel form of “friendship.”

Differences in Recovery Approaches

• Substance Abuse and Gambling: These types of addiction require structured treatment plans involving behavioral therapy, medical intervention, and support groups.

• Relationship Scam Victims: Often benefit from trauma-informed therapy and peer support groups, where they can process the psychological impact of being manipulated and exploited.

• Chatbot Dependency: Overcoming dependency on a chatbot involves re-establishing real-life social connections and developing a healthy balance between online interactions and offline relationships. Therapy can help users recognize the limitations of AI companionship and identify underlying emotional needs that led them to seek support from a chatbot. Additionally, users may benefit from setting boundaries on chatbot usage, much like setting screen time limits, to reduce reliance.

Emotional Healing and Rediscovery of Real-Life Relationships

Dependency on chatbots can lead users to neglect real-life relationships or avoid the complexities of human interaction. Recovery from chatbot dependency may involve a focus on rediscovering the value of authentic, mutual relationships. Therapy can assist users in building confidence in their social skills and in developing coping mechanisms that allow for meaningful interaction with others. The goal is to encourage users to foster real relationships, finding emotional fulfillment outside of a digital entity.

Long-Term Impact and Risk of Relapse

• Substance Abuse and Gambling: The risk of relapse is significant, requiring long-term support and vigilance.

• Relationship Scam Victims: May relapse if they fall for similar deceptive relationships in the future.

• Chatbot Dependency: Users may revert to chatbot dependency during periods of loneliness, stress, or social isolation. Since chatbots are constantly evolving and improving, the appeal of an “emotionally intelligent” AI can be difficult to resist. The ease of accessibility and the non-judgmental nature of chatbots can make relapse more likely if individuals haven’t fully addressed the root causes of their dependency. Long-term recovery may involve developing strategies to manage emotional needs through other outlets and building a more robust network of human support.

Conclusion

While chatbot dependency shares characteristics with substance abuse, gambling, and relationship scam addiction, it has distinct aspects tied to the nature of human-AI interaction. As technology continues to advance, awareness of chatbot dependency may grow, prompting more resources and support options for those affected. Recognizing this as a valid form of dependency is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals can receive appropriate assistance to foster healthier, more fulfilling connections in real life.

Part 3:  Addictions and the Brain

Understanding Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain: Substance Use, Gambling, Relationship Scams, and Chatbot Dependency

Addiction affects the brain’s reward system, leading to a cycle of craving, dependence, and behavior reinforcement. While substance addiction is chemically driven, behavioral addictions—such as gambling, relationship scams, and chatbot dependency—operate through psychological reinforcement mechanisms. This article explores the brain’s addiction pathways, highlighting how these behavioral addictions mimic or differ from substance use disorder and why they can be equally challenging to overcome.

The Brain’s Reward System and Addiction

The brain’s reward system is driven primarily by dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Dopamine release reinforces behaviors that satisfy needs or bring enjoyment, forming the basis for both healthy habits and addictive behaviors.

• The Dopamine System: Addiction is closely linked to dopamine release in the brain’s reward centers, which include the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens. Addictive behaviors or substances trigger large surges of dopamine, reinforcing the desire to repeat the activity.

• The Reward Pathway: When dopamine is released, the brain’s reward pathway (involving the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex) creates a memory of the pleasure, which leads to craving and seeking out the activity or substance.

• Conditioned Responses: Over time, the brain associates specific triggers (people, places, emotions) with the addictive behavior, causing cravings even without immediate exposure to the behavior or substance. This mechanism is powerful in behavioral addictions, which rely on anticipation and emotional cues rather than direct chemical stimulation.

Substance Addiction: Chemical Manipulation of the Brain

Substance addiction directly alters the brain’s chemistry. Drugs like opioids, alcohol, and stimulants artificially increase dopamine and other neurotransmitters, leading to intense pleasure, euphoria, or relaxation. The brain quickly adapts to these surges by reducing its natural production of dopamine, causing tolerance (requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is absent.

Behavioral Addictions: Psychological Triggers and Reinforcement

Behavioral addictions, including gambling, relationship scams, and chatbot dependency, don’t introduce chemicals but instead rely on psychological and emotional factors to trigger the brain’s reward response.

1. Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is fueled by the thrill of risk and reward. The brain reacts to unpredictable, intermittent rewards with dopamine surges, reinforcing the need to continue despite losses.

• • Dopamine and Variable Rewards: Gambling’s unpredictability creates a potent form of reinforcement called variable-ratio reinforcement, where the reward (a win) is inconsistent. This pattern is highly addictive because each gamble holds the potential for a reward, creating a cycle of anticipation and excitement.

  • Conditioning and Craving: Gamblers often feel cravings triggered by cues like casinos, games, or even online apps, leading them back into the cycle. The brain links these cues to dopamine release, causing strong urges that mimic those seen in substance addiction.

2. Relationship Scam Addiction

Relationship scams exploit the brain’s natural need for connection, using emotional manipulation to create an addiction-like attachment.

• • Dopamine through Emotional Validation: Victims experience dopamine spikes when they receive attention, affection, or affirmation from the scammer, reinforcing an emotional attachment. This is similar to gambling in that the victim experiences highs and lows based on the scammer’s responses.

  • Intermittent Reinforcement and Trauma Bonding: Scammers alternate between affection and detachment, creating a pattern of intermittent reinforcement. Victims become attached to the “highs” of positive interactions, forming a trauma bond where they are willing to endure emotional distress for moments of validation.

  • Oxytocin and Attachment: Oxytocin, a hormone tied to bonding, can reinforce scam addiction, especially in intimate exchanges, deepening the attachment and making it difficult for victims to break free from the relationship.

3. Chatbot Dependency

Chatbot dependency, like relationship scams, satisfies emotional needs by providing constant, non-judgmental companionship. Users often anthropomorphize chatbots, forming attachments that mimic real human relationships.

• • Instant Gratification and Dopamine: Each chatbot interaction provides immediate feedback and validation, creating small dopamine releases. Over time, users may turn to chatbots habitually, similar to how gamblers repeatedly seek the thrill of a win.

  • Anthropomorphism and Emotional Engagement: Users often attribute human-like qualities to chatbots, engaging deeply with them and developing a form of emotional attachment. This anthropomorphizing causes users to seek out the chatbot for comfort, creating a dependency similar to scam victims’ attachment to scammers.

  • Escapism and Emotional Relief: Much like substance use or gambling as a distraction from real-life stressors, users may turn to chatbots as a safe, dependable outlet for their emotions. This creates a cycle of dependency on a source that provides a “safe” form of validation without the complexities of real human interaction.

Key Differences: Behavioral Addictions vs. Substance Use Addiction

While gambling, relationship scams, and chatbot dependency activate the brain’s reward system similarly to substance use, there are key differences:

1. Direct Chemical Influence vs. Psychological Reinforcement

• • Substance Addiction: Directly manipulates the brain’s dopamine levels and other neurotransmitters, leading to tolerance and physical dependency.

  • Behavioral Addictions: Use psychological reinforcement rather than chemical alterations. Gambling, scams, and chatbot interactions do not create physical dependency but lead to emotional and psychological cravings due to intermittent reinforcement and emotional validation.

2. Physical Withdrawal vs. Emotional Cravings

• • Substance Use: Leads to physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, tremors, and intense cravings, due to reduced natural dopamine production.

  • Behavioral Addictions: Users experience psychological cravings rather than physical withdrawal. For instance, scam victims or chatbot users may feel anxious, lonely, or restless when they can’t engage with the scammer or chatbot but do not experience physical symptoms of withdrawal.

3. Long-Term Structural Changes

• • Substance Use: Long-term use can alter brain structures involved in decision-making and impulse control, creating a lasting vulnerability to relapse.

  • Behavioral Addictions: While gambling, scams, and chatbot dependency alter brain activity patterns, they are less likely to cause physical changes in brain structure. However, they may increase the likelihood of compulsive behaviors and dependence on similar addictive interactions in the future.

Recovery and Treatment Implications

Behavioral addictions require different recovery approaches than substance use, focusing on emotional and psychological rather than chemical dependency.

1. Therapy and Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for gambling addiction, relationship scam victims, and chatbot dependency. Trauma-informed counseling is also crucial for scam victims, addressing feelings of betrayal and re-establishing trust and self-worth.

2. Developing Real-Life Social Connections: Recovery involves replacing the one-sided, dopamine-driven relationships (from scams, gambling, or chatbots) with fulfilling human connections. For scam victims, this means working through the emotional pain; for chatbot-dependent users, it may mean setting limits on AI use and reconnecting with people in their lives.

3. Managing Triggers and Emotional Needs: Behavioral addiction recovery often involves identifying triggers and developing healthy outlets. For gamblers, this means avoiding betting environments and seeking out alternative hobbies. For scam victims and chatbot users, it includes setting boundaries around online interactions and addressing underlying needs for validation and companionship.

Conclusion

Though relationship scams, chatbot dependency, and gambling addiction differ from substance addiction in their lack of direct chemical manipulation, they can be equally powerful in their impact on the brain’s reward system. These behavioral addictions rely on intermittent reinforcement and emotional attachment to trigger dopamine release and reinforce dependent behavior, creating cycles of craving and reinforcement that resemble substance addiction. Recovery requires focusing on emotional support, alternative coping mechanisms, and helping individuals build resilient, meaningful relationships in real life, ensuring long-term resilience and fulfillment.

Part 4: Intervention Variances

Implications for Interventions for Relationship Scam Victims and Chatbot Addiction

Interventions for relationship scam victims and chatbot addiction both require addressing emotional dependency and helping individuals build healthy boundaries and connections. However, there are key differences. Most relationship scams end abruptly when the scammer decides to “cut off” the victim, leaving the victim to deal with unresolved emotional attachment. In contrast, chatbot addiction can continue indefinitely, with users able to access and engage with the AI at any time, often reinforcing dependency over the long term. These differences affect the nature of interventions needed for each group.

Common Intervention Strategies for Both Relationship Scam Victims and Chatbot Addiction

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Informed Counseling

• • CBT: This form of therapy is effective for both groups, as it helps individuals recognize and alter the patterns of thought and behavior that reinforce their dependency. For scam victims, CBT can assist in understanding why they were drawn to the scammer, while chatbot users can explore why they rely on AI companionship for validation and support.

  • Trauma-Informed Counseling: Relationship scam victims, in particular, benefit from trauma-informed therapy. The experience of being manipulated and abandoned by someone they trusted can create deep emotional scars. Chatbot-dependent individuals might also experience attachment or dependency issues, though they don’t usually endure the same level of betrayal. Trauma-informed counseling helps both groups rebuild self-esteem and establish new emotional boundaries.

2. Building Real-Life Connections

• • Relationship scams and chatbot dependency often highlight a lack of fulfilling relationships or social support in the individual’s life. Helping both groups build or re-establish connections with real people can be transformative. Victims of relationship scams may need to work through issues of trust and self-doubt before opening up to others, while chatbot users may need guidance to shift their time and energy toward real-world relationships.

  • Social Support Groups: Peer support groups specific to scam victims can be highly effective, as they provide a safe space for victims to share their experiences with others who understand the emotional impact of scams. For chatbot users, social groups or support groups that encourage face-to-face interaction can help bridge the gap left by AI dependency and create a path toward real companionship.

3. Managing Emotional Triggers and Boundaries

• • Both relationship scam victims and chatbot-dependent users benefit from learning how to manage emotional triggers. For scam victims, reminders of their scammer, feelings of loneliness, or unresolved attachment can lead to emotional distress. Chatbot users may turn to AI whenever they feel bored, lonely, or stressed.

  • Establishing Healthy Boundaries: For scam victims, boundaries may involve limiting online activity and avoiding environments that encourage risky online relationships. Chatbot-dependent individuals might set specific limits on their chatbot use, only engaging with it during certain times or for specific purposes. These boundaries help reduce dependency and encourage alternative ways of managing emotions.

Differences in Intervention Approaches

1. Closure and Ending the Relationship

• • Relationship Scam Victims: Most relationship scams end abruptly when the scammer decides to cut ties, often leaving the victim without closure. This sudden loss can be deeply traumatizing, making it difficult for the victim to process the end of the “relationship.” Interventions here may focus on helping victims work through feelings of abandonment, betrayal, and grief. Providing a narrative for closure, even if the victim didn’t receive it from the scammer, can help them accept that the relationship was never genuine and enable them to move forward.

  • Chatbot Dependency: Chatbot interactions do not end naturally; as long as the chatbot is accessible, the “relationship” can continue indefinitely. This ongoing availability creates a challenge for interventions, as the user must actively choose to reduce or end their chatbot use, rather than having it end for them. Interventions may therefore focus on gradually reducing engagement with the chatbot and finding alternative ways to fulfill the emotional needs it has been serving.

2. Nature of Emotional Attachment and Relapse Prevention

• • Scam Victims: The attachment in relationship scams often involves elements of trauma bonding, where victims become emotionally connected to the scammer despite (or even because of) the harm they endured. Since the scam ends suddenly, there is a high risk of “relapse” if the scammer returns or if the victim encounters another scammer, as they may still be vulnerable to manipulation. Interventions for scam victims might include education on recognizing red flags in online relationships, creating awareness of common scam tactics, and developing strong boundaries to prevent future scams.

  • Chatbot Users: The attachment to chatbots tends to be less intense than the trauma bond seen in scams, though it can still be strong. Because the user has full control over their access to the chatbot, they face ongoing temptation and may struggle with “relapse” if they attempt to end the interaction but return out of habit. Interventions can involve setting up gradual reductions in chatbot engagement, helping the user set limits, and building new routines that don’t involve the chatbot.

3. Addressing Stigma and Shame

• • Scam Victims: Relationship scam victims often face significant stigma, feeling embarrassed or ashamed for having trusted a scammer. This shame can make it difficult for them to seek help, leading to isolation. Supportive counseling and peer groups specifically for scam victims can reduce stigma and provide a sense of community and validation. Emphasizing that scams exploit emotional needs and vulnerabilities, which can happen to anyone, can help reduce self-blame and encourage victims to seek support.

  • Chatbot Users: While chatbot dependency is less stigmatized, users may feel embarrassed to admit they rely on AI for emotional support. Encouraging chatbot users to acknowledge their dependency as a legitimate challenge, without judgment, can help. Intervention may focus on validating their need for companionship and helping them understand that it’s natural to seek connection, even if it took the form of AI.

Long-Term Strategies and Relapse Management

1. Educational Programs on Digital Risks and Relationships

• • Both scam victims and chatbot users benefit from understanding the dynamics of digital relationships and the risks involved. For scam victims, education on online safety, identity verification, and scam tactics is critical. For chatbot users, understanding the limitations of AI interactions and how these affect human emotional development can help reduce dependency and encourage healthier use.

2. Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

• • Interventions for both groups include helping individuals replace unhealthy dependencies with healthier coping mechanisms. For example, developing hobbies, pursuing physical activities, or engaging in creative outlets can provide alternative forms of engagement. These activities can help individuals fill the time and emotional space previously occupied by the scam or chatbot.

3. Regular Check-Ins and Support Networks

• • Long-term recovery often involves ongoing support. For scam victims, regular counseling check-ins or access to victim support groups can help them stay resilient and recognize potential scam risks. For chatbot users, having access to a counselor or peer group that understands the nature of digital dependencies can prevent relapse and promote healthy relationship building.

Conclusion

Interventions for relationship scam victims and chatbot-dependent individuals have similar foundations in addressing emotional needs, rebuilding social connections, and reducing dependency on unreliable sources of validation. However, the natural ending of scams forces scam victims to process abrupt loss and trauma, while chatbot dependency requires the user to actively reduce or end the engagement themselves. By understanding these differences, intervention programs can be more effectively tailored to support each group’s unique needs, fostering resilience, self-worth, and healthier emotional connections in the long term.

Part 5: Summary and Review

This comprehensive analysis explores various addiction types—substance abuse, gambling, relationship scam victim addiction, and chatbot dependency—detailing their unique mechanisms, behavioral patterns, and brain processes. Substance and behavioral addictions, though different in their triggers and rewards, all influence the brain’s reward system, primarily via dopamine pathways. In substance addiction, direct chemical effects manipulate dopamine release, creating tolerance and physical withdrawal symptoms. By contrast, gambling, relationship scams, and chatbot dependency trigger psychological reinforcement, driving emotional reliance through risk, validation, or perceived companionship rather than chemical changes.

Relationship scam addiction and chatbot dependency share similarities in fostering emotional attachment, though each presents distinct intervention challenges. Relationship scams often end abruptly at the scammer’s decision, leaving victims with unresolved emotional trauma. In contrast, chatbot dependency can continue indefinitely, with users maintaining access to an AI that provides constant, non-judgmental feedback. This analysis underscores the need for tailored interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-informed counseling, for both groups. For relationship scam victims, interventions focus on addressing trauma and rebuilding trust, while for chatbot-dependent users, strategies encourage reducing AI interaction and strengthening real-world social connections. Overall, this article highlights that while these addictions differ in root cause, recognizing and addressing the unique dynamics of each type enables more effective support, helping individuals reclaim emotional independence and form fulfilling relationships.

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Important Information for New Scam Victims

Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School for FREE – visit www.SCARSeducation.org to register – FREE for scam victims/survivors If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 in the U.S. or Canada, or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

SCARS Resources:

• • For New Victims of Relationship Scams www.ScamVictimsSupport.org
  • Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor’s School for FREE – visit www.SCARSeducation.org to register – FREE for scam victims/survivors
  • Sign up for SCARS professional Support & Recovery Groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
  • Find competent Trauma Counselors or Therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
  • Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
  • Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
  • Learn More about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
  • Scammer Photos on ScammerPhotos.com [Not Recommended for Recent Scam Victims]
  • SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
  • Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org

 

A Note About Labeling!

We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

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