Is Addiction to Sex a Legitimate Issue or a Mind Game

Yes, sex addiction is a legitimate issue. Previously people used to think that sex addiction was just an excuse, but now more and more people are realizing this as a serious and legitimate medical problem.

Just like an alcoholic is unable to stop drinking, sexual addicts are unable to stop their dangerous sexual behavior. Most sex addicts tend to be sexually abused as children, and a majority grow up in families in which addictions already exists.

What Is Sex Addiction?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III, Revised (DSM III-R) recognizes the compulsive, addictive quality of certain sexual behaviors, as opposed to the impaired state associated with otherwise 'normal' sexual dysfunctions.

Sexual addiction is defined as any sexually-related compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and a person’s work environment.

Sexual addiction is also called sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. It is basically a compulsive behavior that completely dominates a person’s life. Sexual addicts make sex a more important priority than even family. These people are willing to make any sacrifice to continue their unhealthy behavior and lifestyle.

No single behavior pattern can define sex addiction. Compulsive masturbation, compulsive heterosexual and homosexual relationships, pornography, prostitution, exhibitionism, voyeurism, indecent phone calls, child molesting, incest, rape, and violence, are all symptoms of sexual addiction. Some people use sex as a coping mechanism for their personal/emotional problems.

Sex is used by addicts just like food or alcohol, to get a "high". These addicts then become totally dependent on this ‘sexually high feeling’ to feel normal.

Sex addicts often opt for temporary pleasure rather than intimate relationships. Like other addictive behaviors, sexual addiction follows the same progressive nature. As sex addicts struggle to control their behaviors, their loss of self-esteem increases and they feel tremendous guilt over their actions. It is estimated that around 3 to 6% of the population suffers from sexual addiction.

Studies being conducted have now linked a deficiency in the neurochemistry of the limbic system in people diagnosed as sex addicts. It appears that these patients have sex to restore levels of dopamine in their bodies. Dopamine is produced by neurons in the brain and causes people to feel good/pleasure. Research shows a high correlation between childhood abuse and sex addiction in adults.

Many Sexual Addicts Have Reported Experiencing:

• Emotional abuse 97%
• Sexual abuse 83%
• Physical abuse 71% at some point in their lives

Sexual addicts feel tremendous amounts of shame, yet they often act out sexually attempting to block out the very pain of their addiction. These people are unable to stop their behavior despite its self-destructive nature and often turn a blind eye to the emotional, interpersonal, and physical consequences.

Diagnosing Sexual Addiction

Many sexual addicts suffer from clinical depression or have suicidal tendencies. Sexually addicted people often exhibit behavior patterns that indicate their sexual addiction. The following are behavioral patterns of a sex addict.

- Acting out. Most sex addicts exhibit a pattern of out-of-control sexual behavior, including:

• Compulsive masturbation
• Indulging in pornography
• Having chronic affairs
• Exhibitionism
• Dangerous sexual practices
• Prostitution
• Anonymous sex
• Compulsive sexual episodes
• Voyeurism

- An inability to stop having sex despite adverse consequences. Many addicts say that they cannot stop the need to have sex. 40% report the loss of a partner or spouse, 70% report severe marital or relationship problems, 27% a loss of career opportunities, 40% unwanted pregnancies, 36% abortions, 72% suicidal obsessions and 68% risk exposure to AIDS and other venereal disease but they still continue to have sex.

- Persistent self-destructive behavior. Sex addicts continue to pursue their addiction will full knowledge of the consequences of their actions.

- Using sexual obsession and fantasy as a coping strategy. People addicted to sex spend a great deal of time in obsession and fantasy. By fantasizing, an addict is able to maintain an almost constant state of arousal.

- Severe mood changes related to sexual activity. Addicts experience intense mood shifts, as they feel shame and despair over their addictions. Sexual addicts are caught in a vicious cycle of shame.

- Neglecting important social or occupational activities because of sexual behavior. As their addiction grows most sex addicts tend to deviate from family, friends, work and talents.

Treatment

The first step to treating sexual addiction is admitting to the problem. There are many sources of help nowadays to provide information, support, and assistance for sex addicts. These include inpatient and outpatient treatment, professional associations, self-help groups, various treatment programs, counseling sessions and aftercare support groups. However, just like other addictions, sex addiction is never ‘cured’. It is a constant struggle and a day-by-day process of recovery.