Is it genuinely possible to have a sex addiction? Everybody discusses it — but doctors and scientists do not all support it.
Anyway, let’s talk about several facts about sex addiction in more detail.
So, are you ready?
Okay, let me proceed with what sex addiction is.
What Is Sex Addiction?
Sexual addiction — or more precisely hypersexual disorder — results in a person’s inability to control or regulate their sexual thoughts and behaviors. Like any other feelings, sexual feelings are okay, but they become a problem as soon as they turn into sex addiction and become too strong to cover up and manage in one’s daily life.
The fact that currently the issue of sex addiction cannot be recognized as independent in DSM-5 classification, it can be regarded as the symptom of some other mental disorder, for example, ICD.
Well, some people consider sex addiction similar to other types of addiction. Is that true?
Yes, it is!
Sex addiction can be likened to the other kinds of addictions comparing the feelings that they bring. One of the top example we’ve masturbation addiction. It could be more like people who have sexual addiction, where they have that sort of hunger for sex like the hunger for cocaine or alcohol. The subjects might also engage in those behaviors more or in a more dangerous fashion as time passes.
This strong need ensures that it interferes with normal life, a fact often working to make the person sexually active. They might switch their daily schedules to engage in sexual behaviors and might be unable to resist these decisions even when they are well aware of the consequences.
Sex addiction can take many forms, some of them mentioned below:
- Sexual acts
- Watching pornography
- Masturbation
- Constant sexual fantasies
- Harassment where a person may want to expose his/her genitals in public or sexually entice another person without their consent
Such behaviors can be detrimental with psycho-social consequences. Also, like chemicals and alcohol dependency, the interpersonal, physical, mental, vocational, and legal problems caused by sexual addiction severely impact lifetime.
How Many People Struggle with Sexual Addiction?
When we talk about sex addiction, we should also need to know about how, many individuals deal with this.
I’ve some statistics that should clarify things for you.
- It has been estimated that about 3-10% of the United States’ population experiences issues with sexual addiction.
- The condition is more common in men as compared to women with a male to female ratio estimated to be 2-5 men to 1 woman.
- Most people who start dealing with this issue are around 18 years old, and they usually don’t get help until they’re about 33.
However, I’d like to highlight here is that 88% of people who have sexual addiction also deal with other mental health issues. Including:
- Mood disorders (like bipolar disorder)
- Anxiety disorders
- History of suicide attempts
- Personality disorders
- Substance abuse
- Impulse control problems
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Sexual Addiction Symptoms
How can you tell if someone might have a problem with sexual addiction? Here are some common signs:
- Obsessive Thoughts: They can’t stop thinking about sex. It’s like their brain is stuck on one channel.
- Too Much Masturbation: Masturbating is normal, but doing it excessively can be a sign of a problem.
- Addicted to Porn: Watching porn is common, but if it takes over someone’s life, it might be a problem.
- Planning Sex All the Time: Spending hours planning sexual encounters is not healthy.
- Paying for Sex: Relying on sex workers or having many casual partners can be a sign of addiction.
- Risky Sexual Behavior: Doing things like autoerotic asphyxiation (choking oneself for sexual pleasure) is very dangerous.
- Can’t Stop Even When It Hurts: Continuing to engage in sexual behavior despite negative consequences.
Sex Addiction Side Effects
Sexual addiction can have serious consequences for a person’s life. It can ruin relationships, damage careers, and lead to financial problems. People with this condition often feel guilty, ashamed, and hopeless.
- Relationship Troubles: It’s hard to maintain healthy relationships when sex is the main focus.
- Job Problems: Spending too much time on sexual thoughts and activities can affect work performance.
- Money Issues: Paying for porn, sex workers, or other sexual activities can lead to financial problems.
- Health Risks: Unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
- Substance Abuse: People with sexual addiction are more likely to use drugs or alcohol.
- Mental Health Problems: Depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts can be linked to sexual addiction.
- Legal Issues: Some sexual behaviors can lead to legal trouble.
Sexual Addiction Causes
Scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes sexual addiction, but there are some theories:
- Brain Chemistry: There could be cases where the brain chemical balance is off, thus, affecting ones libido.
- Brain Differences: That would actually be quite simple to explain because it is very possible that there could be some differences in the way the brain works for people who are involved in sexual addiction.
- Substance Abuse: This can be as a result of use of drugs or engaging in drinks from time to time or as a result of frequenting substance using places.
- Medications: Some of the drugs may enhance the sexual drive.
Once again, it is significant to note that these are merely theories and there is still much investigation to be pursued in determination of what results in sexual addiction.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual addiction, it’s essential to seek help. There are therapists and counselors who specialize in treating this condition. They can provide support, guidance, and develop a treatment plan.
Remember, sexual addiction is a treatable condition. With the right help, people can overcome it and live healthier, happier lives.
Sex Addiction Treatment
Sex addiction is a topic scientists are still debating. Because of this, finding well-tested ways to treat it can be tough. Here are some strategies that experts use to help people with sex addiction.
1. Residential Treatment Programs
Some centers help people with sex addiction. These programs are really helpful and cover many topics. People stay at these centers for at least 30 days. This time helps them focus on getting better and learning how to handle their problems. These programs usually include individual therapy and group therapy.
2. Twelve-Step Programs for Sex Addiction
There are organizations such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) that can really assist. Specifically, it may be compared to an organization that is attempting to combat the problem of sexual compulsive disorder. They sit and discuss, share their issues. It is more or less like the Alcoholics Anonymous but categorized under the sex addicts. Members of these groups do not by any means cease having sexual relations but they do attempt to cease engaging in behaviors that are self or other damaging. With others who feel the same — one can feel so much better.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people understand why they do things they think are wrong. In therapy, people work with a therapist to figure out what drives their behavior. They then learn how to change these behaviors. Patients talk about these new ways of thinking and acting with their therapist.
4. Medicines
Sometimes, medicine can help with sex addiction. Certain antidepressants might reduce strong urges. However, it’s not always clear if doctors will recommend medication for this issue.
Is It Possible to Stop Sex Addiction?
It’s not always easy to say if you can stop sex addiction before it starts. Sometimes, strange things happen in your brain that can cause it. Other times, it’s part of another problem you have. The reasons why a person might get a sex addiction are numerous.
If you cannot prevent things from getting worse you can at least try to prevent things that may worsen the situation. Here are some expert recommendations you can do:
- Learn about it: The first thing that needs to be done is to learn more about sex addiction. It can be read in a book or talked over with a doctor or a psychiatrist. They can help you in telling what is going on.
Change your habits: Try to stop thinking about things that make your mind go in the sexual zone. For example you could no longer watch specific shows or go to specific places. - Get help for other problems: If you have issues with drugs or alcohol it becomes more difficult to stop thinking about sex. See a doctor to address these issues also.
- Take care of your mental health: If you are sad, worried, or have mood swings, then it will impact your brain. Take care of your mental health as much as you can.
- Find new things to do: Attempt to look for other things that you like in life but do not include sex. You could go for a club, sports or even learn something new.
Recovery from sex addiction is not a quick process — one has to be tolerant to the self. This is a good time to remember all the positive aspects of life and the people who surround you with love.
FAQs
Is Excessive Sexual Behavior a Mental Health Problem?
Experts are still debating this. There’s no clear diagnosis or definition yet because there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support it as a standalone medical condition.
What Are the Emotional Effects of Sex Addiction?
People with sex addiction often feel:
- Guilt, shame, or regret
- Hopelessness and lack of control
- Depression and loneliness
- Anxiety and suicidal thoughts
Why Do Some People Have More Sex Than Others?
Many factors affect sexual desire, including hormones, emotions, and relationship issues. It becomes a problem when it interferes with daily life.
Is There a Connection Between Sex Addiction and Depression?
Some studies suggest there might be a link between sex addiction and depression. People with depression might engage in more sexual behavior, and treating depression could improve symptoms of sex addiction.
Last Words
If you’re struggling with sexual thoughts or behaviors that cause problems in your life, talking to a healthcare professional is important. Everyone feels shy but the doctors are there to help you and make sure you get better. Be truthful to yourself, your family and your doctor so that you can get the help you need.
And, Of course, recovery is also possible if you want, there are many treatments available for it.
