Sexual Addiction

What is sexual addiction? Doesn't just about everyone enjoy sex? If approached by an attractive person, wouldn't most people desire a sexual relationship? So what is the difference between a typical mans sexual interest and a man who has a problem with sexual addiction? Sexual addiction is characterized by sexual activity that feels out of control. A sex addict may feel compelled to engage in sexual behavior at any cost, even if the episodes would be harmful to him physically, personally or socially.

Sexual addiction does not have to involve actual sex to be classified as an addiction. Sexual addiction could include the excessive viewing of pornography, over-masturbation, exhibitionism (exposing one's self in public) voyeurism, telephone or internet sex and various kinds of fetishes. Sexual addiction could also include high-risk sexual encounters, such as prostitution, multiple affairs or anonymous sex.

Why It Happens

Sex is a normal bodily function that can be abused like any other, such as eating or exercising. Just as drinking alcoholic beverages or using drugs can prove to be dangerous, so can a sexual addiction that is left untreated. During sex the human body releases many chemicals which cause a sense of euphoria. These natural chemicals are so powerful they can been compared to painkillers. Not surprisingly, many men can become addicted to these sensations and like a drug, become obsessed with getting their next "fix". Also like a drug addiction, sometimes the individual will feel the need to increase their level of sexual peaks to maintain the same high.

The sex is more compulsive than it is sexual. Addiction has nothing to do with having a high sex drive or feeling more sexual than most people. It's not about genuine pleasure. It is about acting out a deeply rooted problem.

The withdrawal symptoms of sexual addiction are difficult. They are characterized by feelings of depression, anger, shame, and guilt. Rather than confront these unpleasant feelings, the addict repeats the same driven sexual behavior over and over, often leaving him emotionally empty.

Less than 10% of the population suffers from this condition, though it's very likely that the total number of sexual addicts is much higher. Because getting professional treatment is often perceived as shameful or embarrassing, many men do not seek professional help. Instead, they continue to feed the addiction and put themselves and others in danger.

It doesn't help the problem that the Internet provides a wide variety of sexual services for low cost or for free, and can hook up a sexual addict with his pleasure anonymously. In previous years, sexual addiction was not as prevalent because of the difficulty in finding an outlet. Now, sex is as easy to find as typing in one word in an on line search engine. Now more than ever it is important for people who suffer from serious sexual addictions to seek professional help and not ignore the problem.

Signs Of Serious Addiction

What are some signs that your sexual desire has crossed the line into sexual addiction? First of all, the best judge of character for detecting serious sexual addiction is you. If you feel that you are out of control, if you feel that there may be serious consequences for your actions if you continue, or if you feel that you are unable to stop the self-destructive behavior, then you are suffer from a sexual addiction. Seeking professional help may be your only option.

The following symptoms are helpful not only in self-diagnosing, but may also be a good indicator that a friend, spouse, or someone you know is having a problem overcoming sexual addictions. These signs might include patterns, such as a person pursuing high-risk sexual activities, using sex as a way of coping with unpleasant feelings or situations, having a constantly increasing sexual appetite, intense mood swings and neglecting other important activities in favor of sexual planning.

What To Do For Help

As with any kind of addiction, the first step is acknowledging the problem and the need for assistance. Sexual addiction will never go away by itself so it cannot be ignored. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to seek help if you have a problem.

A sex therapist can help you with this condition. She can help you understand what is happening and how to take steps to improve your lifestyle. When you live with untreated sexual addiction, you are gambling with your life. Sexual therapy can help you to enjoy sex safely and responsibly.

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tova@sextherapylosangeles.com