Sexual Addition

Sexual Addition may be a common problem but it still remains a relatively understood condition characterized by strong sexual urges. In recent weeks, the issue has resurfaced. Last week, a Journalist Brian Alexander(2007), this psychological condition was once again questioned and the condition was described as such: "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 one's work environment". However, many psychologists and therapists alike find this definition to be vague and void of concrete symptoms that differ from those that are experienced by someone not suffering from a sexual addiction. Sexual addiction, like most
Many believe that unlike a typical person that looks at sex as a destination, with an orgasm being the ultimate satisfaction, sexual addicts look at sex as a journey, with no known ending. The chemical dopamine that is released in the brain during sexual activity creates the feeling of euphoria. The same chemical is also created by highly addictive drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Therefore, like a drug addict, the person becomes obsessed with the feeling of being on a high from the dopamine released into the brain. They begin to develop compulsive patterns of behavior in an attempt to achieve the same feeling. Their routines become more complicated and intense to the point that they cannot function without having thoughts of achieving the same high. Therefore, many sex addicts are referred to as "chemical addicts." Like a drug addict who needs to increase their dose in order to feel a high, a sex addict must increase their sexual behaviors in order to feel the same chemical release into the
However, as with most mental disorder patients like someone battling an eating disorder or a drug addiction, recovery is a slow process and relapses are common. In many cases, it takes a significant event, such as the loss of a job, the break-up of a marriage or health crisis to force the addict to admit to their problem. Treatment of sexual addiction first begins with gaining control over the addictive behavior. The person must then develop a healthy sexuality which involves education about what is considered healthy. Individual counseling and marital and/or family therapy can also be helpful for some patients. Because of the growing nature of the problem, groups like Sex Addicts Anonymous have also surfaces around the country as a way for people to share their stories, relate to others and cope with their addiction. In some more intense cases, medications such as Prozac and Anafranil are used to treat may be used to curb the compulsive nature of the sex addiction. However, these medications can have harmful side effects and are typically not favored by psychologists. Many treatment centers that treat alcoholics and drug addition problems now include programs for those suffering form sexual addictions. One such center is Sierra Tucson in Tucson, Arizona that claims to offer a spiritual approach to curing sexual addiction. However, these clinics like these can be