Addiction to Sex

Sexual addiction is defined as any sexually-related manners connected with compulsivity and obsession. Creating a healthy relationship would be quite hard for a person inflicted with this kind of addiction. The behaviors associated with this addiction hamper with a person’s normal living. Sexual addiction is very different from having high sexual drive. When you are identified as a sex addict, you are sex dependent. You look for sexual pleasure even from non-sexual objects. A high sexual drive is only associated with aggressive behavior when it comes to sex. People with high sexual drive do not necessarily depend on sex and are able to build a healthy sexual or personal relationship with other people. Sexual addicts make sex a priority over their family, friends, and work. With these, they destroy important relationships with the people who really care for them.

The exact cause of sexual addiction is yet to be known. Nevertheless, certain factors have been studied that could possibly be the reason of this kind of addiction. the abnormal levels of sex hormones and chemicals in the brain such as androgens, dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin. Moreover, unusualities in the brain caused by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, dementia, and seizures, and medications such as dopamine agonists could really be a possible cause of sexual addiction. Changes in nerve circuits in the brain may also result in abnormal physical reactions to sexual activity. Psychologically, sexual, physical, and mental abuse during childhood could increase the risk for sex addiction during adulthood. Severe experience of neglect, rejection, and emotional trauma during childhood could also lead to an increased risk for developing addictions, specifically sexual addiction. Studies have shown that victims of abuse, trauma, and neglect may have low levels of certain chemicals in the brain that affect how they experience pleasure. Furthermore, according to mental health professionals, sexual addiction can also be related to other psychological disorders such as impulse control and eating disorders.

Sex addiction does not tell apart. You and me could be a sexual addict. It could be a minister, physician, factory worker or an executive. It could take place to anyone from all walks of life. Studies have shown that people who are sexually addicted have come from families wherein addiction had already flourished, such as alcoholism, compulsive eating, and compulsive gambling. As for gender, there has no known difference between men and women. However, studies have found that sexually addicted women is increasing in number.

Actions associated with sexual addiction includes, compulsive masturbation, multiple affairs, consistent use of pornography, unsafe sex, cybersex, prostitution or use of prostitutes, exhibitionism, stalking, sexual harassment, and molestation. People inflicted with sexual addiction experiences little or no satisfaction at all from their sexual activities. They form no emotional bond with his or her partner. Sex is thought to be their means of escape from stress, boredom, anxiety, and emotional strain. With sex, the addict feels powerful and desirable.

Usually, a sexual addict is in denial that he/she is an addict. These people typically feel tremendous guilt and shame about their out-of-control behavior. These people live in constant fear of discovery. So, they deny their condition and make believe that there is nothing wrong with them. Thus, the first step to treat sexual addiction, just like any other addiction, is to stop the idea that there is nothing wrong with them. Then professional help would come at hand. Curing is done with a therapist. As it is more of a behavioral and cognitive problem, cognitive-behavioral therapy is best to be used as treatment. The patient is assessed whereby his full history is examined so as to determine the root or possible cause of the behavior problem. As part of this cognitive/behavioral task-oriented approach, a sexual abstinence plan is being made wherein the patient is going to abstain from sex for a period of time. After abstaining, they often report a sense of well-being, a restored sense of dignity and hope for a future without any sexual compulsive behaviors. Once, the positive emotions and cognitions are achieved, group therapy is recommended.

Sexual addiction involves any type of uncontrollable sexual activity which may have been caused by past traumatic experiences during childhood. For an individual to recover, an individual should admit and identify the problem before the help of a professional.