Sex Addiction
Sex addiction is defined as any sexually-related manners associated with compulsivity and obsession. This behavior makes it difficult for the person to establish a healthy personal relationship. The behaviors associated with this addiction hamper with a person’s normal living. Sexual addiction is very different from having high sexual drive. A sex addict is dependent on sex. 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. Like alcoholics who could not stop drinking, sexual addicts are unable to manage their sexual behavior to the point of destroying their lives as well as the lives of those who cared for them.
The exact cause of sexual addiction is yet to be known. However, certain factors have been studied that could possibly be the reason of this kind of addiction. One is the abnormal levels of sex hormones and chemicals in the brain such as androgens, dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin. Moreover, abnormalities 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. A change in our brain’s nerve circuits can be the causing factor of the abnormal physical reactions to sexual activity. In a psychological perspective, sexual, physical, and mental abuse during our early years could increase the risk for sex addiction during adulthood. Sex addiction might be caused by the harsh incidents of our early years that 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. In addition, 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 distinguish. Anyone 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. According to studies, 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.
Behaviors 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. Sexual addicts gains little satisfaction from the sexual activity. Sexual addicts find it hard form emotional bond with his or her partner. These people view sex as a getaway from stress, boredom, anxiety, and emotional strain. Sex is a means of power and desirability for a sex addict.
More often than not, a sexual addict is in denial that he/she is an addict. They usually 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. Professional help would always 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. To determine the causing factor of the abnormal behavior, a full history so to be conducted on the patient. As part of this cognitive/behavioral task-oriented approach, a sexual moderation plan is constructed wherein the patient is going to abstain from sex for a period of time. After being able to abstain, people often report a sense of well-being, a restored sense of dignity and hope for a future free of sexually compulsive behaviors. Once, the positive emotions and cognitions are achieved, group therapy is recommended.
Sex addiction involves any type of out of control sexual activity which can be a resulting factor of early childhood traumatic experiences. Aside from professional help, recognizing and accepting the behavior problem is one step to recovery.
