Tag Archives: Sexual addiction

SEX ADDICTION

July 11, 2014

What’s SEX ADDICTION?

sex addictionWhat is sex addiction? One might ask. Sex addiction is a habitual sexual thoughts and actions which is better described as a progressive intimacy disorder. It’s an impact that progresses as the disorder increase. Usually the victim of addiction intensifies the behavior to get the same result. Addiction varies with each and every addict. Mostly the behavior will not progress beyond things like pornography, internet sex services or just masturbation. Other addictions will involve illicit activities such as rape, obscene calls and even child molestations. Most sexual addiction will however not end in sex offenses and not all people who rape or molest sexually are addicts either. Slightly above 50 percent of people accused or convicted of sexual offenses are sex addicts.

Sexual addiction has also been described as an engagement in persistent and escalating ways of sexual behavior mostly carried out despite increasing negative repercussion to one’s self or to other people. In short, this is an activity that they will engage in not caring whether they will face health risks, being neglected by family and community. They will not even care if they are arrested or not. The issue is not the same with child molestation as this is usually rated as a sexual addiction. Over 70 percent of people who engage in the act of child molestation are sex addicts and it’s always so brutal that serving a jail term is the only way to keep the society safe and free from them.

Society is slowly coming to terms with the fact that people who commit this sexual offenses are not looking for sexual gratification but they are doing it rather for some kind of attention that is always related to power and control. Some even do it for revenge or to convey anger towards a certain towards a certain situation they had faced earlier in life or are facing in their current lives. Not long ago, research showed different reasons for sex addiction. This were related to an awareness of brain changes or brain reward that was associated with sexual behavior that led to an understanding that there is also a prevailing sexual drive that motivates the sex offenses.

Sex addiction is described in the diagnostic and statistical manual of psychiatric disorders in volume four and in the category of sexual disorders as a certain agony over a sample of frequent with lovers who are experienced b the personage only as things to be used. Sexual addiction also involves searching for many partners and masturbation among others. Unlike eating, sexual activity is considered to be necessary for human survival and happiness though some people completely abstain or are celibate. Some will choose to abstain from sexual activities due to different kinds of reason like religion and culture but for a completely healthy human being without these boundaries, it’s completely normal to have feelings for sex. In most cases, lack of interest can mean a very big problem or even a mental disorder.

            Symptoms of sexual addiction

Sexual addiction diagnosis has been described as a disorder where a criteria based on chemical dependency was used. The symptoms mostly include:

–          Too much thought of sex till it affects ones other activities even they really want to stop. For instance, if you love football, your minds starts deviating towards sex more.

–          Sleeping with more than one partners have also been attributed to sex addiction.

–          Watching too much pornography or spending most of one’s time in activities that involve or relate to sex.

If you find yourself battling with the above symptoms then you may be heading for sexual addiction. If you feel like your world mostly revolves around thinking about sex even when you are not supposed to then you are probably an addict that definitely requires treatment fast.

            Treating sexual addictions

Thereare several programs available for people who are looking for help for sex addiction. There is sierra Tucson in Arizona in the United States of America among others. These programs have the same approach and strategy towards sex addiction and they have proven effects in treating chemical dependency but first, did you know that sexual addiction is the most common addiction compared to other addictions? And what are the questions that one should ask themselves when looking for a good program for sex addiction treatment. Well for starters you should ask if there are groups that deal with these issues. If there is any then it’s the place for you to look for your treatment.

You should also ask yourself whether the program is based on a 12 step philosophy and if it’s ok to attend the meetings while on treatment. It’s always not easy for a sexual addict to know between a healthy and a not so healthy sexual acts. These programs will usually encourage abstinence in the early stages of treatment. Residential treatment maybe also be required for a few weeks to protect the addict from sexual exposure and relapse. It is also important to know that in order for one to heal quickly, one has to get rid of the guilt and the stresses associated with this kind of addiction

 

What’s SEX ADDICTION?

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Pornographic Addiction

July 6, 2014

What’s Pornography Addiction?

Pornographic addiction is one that is caused by habitual and repeated use of pornographic material which causes serious negative effects to ones mental, physical, financial and social welfare or safety. Internet pornography or cybersex has also contributes a great deal to such addictions. There is however no such thing as pornographic addiction diagnosis. An addict can also view pornography that is problematic that is called ‘problematic internet pornography’ viewing for various reasons that will include social or personal reasons. Most people will resort to problematic internet pornography mostly when they are undergoing difficult times. In most cases , when they are isolated by friends, family members, when undergoing financial problems, when they have recently lost their jobs and are not finding any these people will resort to such acts to pass time and release the tension they are undergoing.

Pornographic addiction

Pornography or visual sex stimuli as its otherwise known is almost if not as strong as pathological gambling, cocaine or heroin addiction and sexual addiction and should be treated seriously before it gets out of hand. Since the world is quickly moving to digital age, pornographic addiction will not be for a particular age group, it will be for all age as there will be no limit to internet and television usage. There also will not be any way of adults finding out whether their children are glued to it on screen or not. It is also necessary for everyone to know that over five billion people will move to join internet in the next ten years. That in itself is an alarming number so just imagine how many from that number will be lured to viewing internet pornography?

pornography addiction

So how does one know if they are addicted to pornography or not? Well, just like any other addictions, if one finds themselves consistently engaging in sexual activities for a long time than necessary as a way of running away from distress or adopt it a way to distract themselves from problems. If it’s interfering with other obligations then it could be pornographic addiction in waiting. Pornography has been opposed from every corner of the world by social conservatives citing that it offends tradition and social values. Religious leaders also say that it’s against religious and Christian culture. Catholic leaders have been particularly vocal about this act.

 

Pornography is also believed to demean women in particular. It is also believed that pornography causes psychological harm to the addicts with the end result of pornography induced erectile dysfunction. These various sectors have publicly opposed pornography. The opposition of pornography also varies from country to country or group to group. Many of whom make distinction between pornography that they are opposed to. Some religions and culture however consider pornography less harmful. Some social liberals have also supported pornography saying that its ones freedom. They claim that accusing one of spending too much on pornographic materials in infect infringing in someone’s right or freedom.

Treating of pornographic addiction

Pornographic addiction just like any other addiction is something that comes from deep within someone’s mind and seeking counseling is always the first step. One should also consider abstaining from watching such materials completely. Remember it all starts from the head.

What’s Pornography Addiction?

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Creating Understanding of Sex Addiction Therapy

June 22, 2014

Understanding Sex Addiction Therapy

sex addictionSex addiction can be a highly dangerous and destructive condition. Like drug or alcohol addiction, sex addiction is a common, but infrequently diagnosed, condition that affects the addict’s mental health, personal relationships, quality of life, and safety.

In general, sex addiction is referred to as an obsessive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve the kind of “fix” that an alcoholic gets from a drink or an addict from a drug. Usually, a sex addict seeks out manifold partners or may also have relations with children, animals, or inanimate objects. The addiction may obvious as a compulsive need to masturbate, view pornography, or be in erotically stimulating situations. Sex addiction may require the addict to significantly alter his life and activities in order to perform sexual acts multiple times a day. A sex addict cannot stop his or her behavior, despite severe negative penalties.

  • Symptoms and Signs of Sex Addiction

Sex addiction can be problematic to spot from the outside. Most addicts become skilled at hiding their behavior and can even keep the addiction secret from spouses, partners, and family members. However, a discrete might have a sex addiction if he or she exhibits some or all of the following behaviors: Chronic, obsessive sexual thoughts and fantasies, Relations with multiple partners on a frequent basis, especially with strangers, Preoccupation with having sex, even when it interferes with daily life, productivity, work performance, Inability to stop compulsive sexual behaviors or restrain sexual activity, Putting oneself or others in danger due to sexual behavior, Engaging in illegal sexual activity with prostitutes, minors, or children, Need for dominance and control in sexual liaisons, Sensation remorse or guilt after sexual episodes, Negative personal or professional consequences due to sexual behavior.

Since sex addiction can be difficult to diagnose, it’s important to remember that enjoying sexual activity does not make one a sex addict. A sex addict is typically someone who has a compulsive need to achieve sexual acts and appears to have no controller over these instincts.

Unlike other addictions, behavior for compulsive sexual behavior cannot require the addict to give up sex for life. Sex is a normal, healthy, and compulsory human function. However, a sex addict must learn the difference between healthy and non-healthy sexual behavior. This process can often take months or years. Treatment for sex compulsion usually includes one or more of the following devices.

  • Inpatient Treatment Programs

There are many different inpatient conduct centers that offer sex addiction recovery programs. Often times, sex addicts must be removed from their normal daily lives for at least 30 days but often longer to help them regain control of their impulses and start the recovery process. These types of programs typically include comprehensive separate counseling and group therapy sessions.

  • 12-Step Programs

Programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous follow the same recovery model as Alcoholics Anonymous and can be incredibly helpful for many sex addicts. Associates are not required to give up sex entirely, but are heartened to refrain from compulsive and destructive sexual behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This type of therapy can help a sex addict recognize triggers for sexual impulses and eventually teach Medication.

Some sex addicts may benefit from a course of drug therapy treatment, as certain antidepressants might help alleviate urges.an addict how to cope with them finished social changes.

Expectations

addictionUnlike with other addictions, a sex addict faces a unique set of challenges. It is not truthful for a sex addict to give up sensual activity entirely, but it may be necessary for him or her to abstain from sex for up to a year. This period of self-denial can often help sex addicts learn to identify the reasons of their needs and to explore deeper emotional issues that might contribute to the appearance of the addiction. Like a compulsive eater, a sex addict must learn the difference between natural, healthy urges and addictive ones. For sex addicts, there is not necessarily a “cure,” but there are ways to achieve the condition and still live a normal, balanced life. Spouses and family members of a sex addict should be ready to deal with the possibility of relapse, as it is often a normal part of the recovery process.

Resources

More information about sex addiction, as well as information for family members or loved ones, can be found by contacting the following governments: Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, The Society for Advancement of Sexual Health, Sexual Recovery Institute.

Promoting Sexual Health

Sexuality should be an essential and balanced part of our life experience. However, when sex becomes all consuming, or when we deprive ourselves of healthy sexual expression, our sexuality acts as a barrier filled with disgrace and self-contempt. It isolates us from attachment with others. Healthy sexual behavior, on the other hand, creates familiarity and closeness. It is characterized by trust, respect, joy and safety.

Learn More at New Frontier Medicine Academy

New frontier provides assessment and evidenced-based treatment in a safe, confidential, and respectful atmosphere. We offer a variety of programs for sexual health and addiction and are committed to providing state-of-the art services that help our clients lead lives filled with more joy and satisfaction.

Creating Understanding of Sex Addiction Therapy

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Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression

April 2, 2014

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-The truth revealed

Consequences of addiction are very traumatic especially if based on sexual abuse

Sexual dysfunction is defined as a disturbance in or pain during, the sexual response. This problem is more difficult to diagnose and treat in women than it is in men because of the intricacy of the female sexual response. The Sexual Function Health Council of the American Foundation of Urologic Disease recently revised the preexisting definitions and classifications of FSD. Medical risk factors, etiologies, and psychological aspects were classified into four categories of FSD: hypoactive sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic disorders, and sexual pain disorders.

  • Hypoactive sexual desire is the persistent or recurrent deficiency (or absence) of sexual fantasies or thoughts and/or the lack of receptivity to sexual activity.
  • Sexual arousal disorder is the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain sufficient sexual excitement, expressed as a lack of excitement or a lack of genital or other somatic responses.
  • Orgasmic disorder is the persistent or recurrent difficulty, delay, or absence of attaining orgasm after sufficient sexual stimulation and arousal.
  • Sexual pain disorder includes dyspareunia (genital pain associated with sexual intercourse); vaginismus (involuntary spasm of the vaginal musculature that causes interference with vaginal penetration), and noncoital sexual pain disorder (genital pain induced by noncoital sexual stimulation).

Each of these definitions has three additional subtypes: lifelong versus acquired; generalized versus situational; and of organic, psychogenic, mixed, or unknown causative origin. For the purpose of this article we will be discoussing women generally in relation to addiction and sex

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Women and Sexual Addiction

 Characteristics

Before we look into the problem of female sexual addiction it’s important to note that many women are not comfortable with the shame inducing label of being a female sex addict. Believe me if men are apprehensive to seek treatment because of the shame infested label, then women are twice as much less likely. Look at the expression of this woman, “Why is this called sexual addiction. I hate that label. It’s not about the sex at all. Sex is just what I have to give to be loved, touched and nurtured and the assurance that I’m okay.” Many women would like to see the label of sexual addiction changed to a more accurate phraseology such as “Intimacy Disorder”.

Now the rise of sexual addiction in women is evidenced by the following statistics from various researches:

  • About 9.4 million Women check out adult websites every month and some of those sites include child pornography.
  • The ratio of women to men in chat rooms is two to one. Women are converting these conversations into real life affairs at twice the rate of men.
  • About 13% of women (20% of men) admit to accessing porn while at work.

From these finding, women are catching up to men with online porn addiction. There are no signs of slowing down of the pervasiveness of the problem of women struggling with sexual addiction.

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Symptoms

Someone with a high sex drive is satisfied with sex. For them it’s not about getting a temporary fix or temporary relief. For someone who is addicted, immediately following a climax experience they still feel somewhat empty or somewhat depressed that it didn’t really give them what they were ultimately seeking in the first place, which are a fulfilling, completed, and a genuine intimate experience. For an addict, sex is more of a fix for something.

Let us learn from one lady (Anne) for a behavior to qualify as an addiction, the following components are essential:

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Uncontrolladable compulsion

Feelings of “I can’t stop. I keep doing what I don’t want to do,” pervade the mind of a sex addict. They feel powerless to stop and that it is out of their control. According to Anne, you will always hear an addict say, “I know what I’m doing is wrong; I want to stop, but I can’t.” That was certainly true for her. Raised in a pastor’s home she went to church all of her life. She knew that the multiple affairs she engaged in were wrong due to the incredible shame she felt afterwards. She wanted to stop but simply could not.

Obsessive thoughts

Hooking up with someone is all you think about. Experiencing high of skin on skin contact and the illusion that only sex can bring intimacy consume an inordinate amount of your daily thoughts. A person that is sexually addicted spends an abnormal amount of their time on either being sexual, recovering from being sexual, figuring out how to hide that they’ve been sexual, or rummaging through their mind for a plan for their next sexual encounter. As Anne puts it, “It’s like a little bird sitting on your shoulder; it’s always with you, either as guilt and shame or the planning and preparation. Some part is always with you.”

Continuance of immoral sexual behavior despite adverse consequences

Even though Anne was diagnosed with cervical cancer caused by an STD, almost died because of massive hemorrhaging from a resulting surgery, lost her first marriage because of her illicit affairs, endangered a second marriage through her continued struggle with sexual addiction, and having her two children immensely angry with her for making them a part of an addicted family she still could not stop. Even after all these destructive experiences and consequences she still felt powerless over the disease. When a person continues their destructive behavior in spite of adverse consequences, then that is a clear sign of sexual addiction.

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-Tolerance

The ability to tolerate higher levels of something we hadn’t originally been accustomed to occur through a process called “The Law of Diminishing Returns.” When a couple first dates they may venture out and hold hands. It provides somewhat of a thrilling and satisfying experience. After a while, a person may become “ho-hum” with holding hands because it doesn’t return the same thrilling effect it once did so they up the ante and progress towards kissing. After a while, this too has its excitement wear off and behaviors such as heavy petting and eventually intercourse will occur in order to experience the initial “high” that comes with a new experience. An alcoholic experienced the same thing at some point drinking a couple bottles of beers eventually doesn’t return the same pleasure that drinking 3 used to so they have to try 6 or more.

Part of the tolerance effect is based in a purely neurochemical change in the brain. We are essentially fighting our own brain chemistry. This is what makes addicts adrenaline junkies. They are addicted to their own brain’s drugs (chemicals released) that are produced through sexual experiences. So if the high of one kind of behavior isn’t enough, then it will either take more and more of that same kind of behavior or it will take going on to other, higher risk behaviors to get the same effect. This is why some people even engage in more licentious behavior such as threesomes, orgies, and even Level II and Level III illegal behaviors.

Addiction causes sexual dysfunction and aggression-The truth revealed

 

 

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