What happens to a couple's Love Maps when one partner has an active alcohol addiction?

When one partner has an active alcohol addiction, the dynamics within the relationship can significantly shift, impacting the Love Maps that each partner has of the other. Love Maps refer to the internal mental representation that individuals create about their partner's world, including their histories, preferences, and dreams.

In the context of addiction, the partner with the issue may become emotionally and physically unavailable due to the effects of alcohol on their behavior, judgment, and involvement in the relationship. This unavailability leads to a breakdown in communication and understanding, which can further strain the emotional connection between the partners. As a result, the details and accuracy of their Love Maps begin to suffer; the partner without the addiction may feel isolated and disconnected, hindering their ability to actively update and adjust their understanding of their partner's needs and feelings.

Consequently, the strain created by addiction affects how well each partner knows and relates to the other, significantly altering the Love Maps that they maintain.