Sexual Obsession: The Consequences Of Sexual Addiction
Introduction
Cooper et al (2001) defines sexual addiction as ‘a life threatening obsession- a pattern of out-of-control sexual behaviour with serious physical, emotional and legal consequences.’ While there are many definitions and translations of what sexual addiction truly is, the above mentioned definition of sexual addiction reveals to us that, like all other addictions, sexual addiction affects the individual on many different levels and has serious consequences which are progressive and could potentially be harmful. The many other definitions of sexual addiction also reveal to us that most sex addicts fail to control their compulsive sexual behaviour and are later faced with feelings of guilt and anxiety as a result thereof. It is therefore important to understand that because of the nature of any addiction, all the effects of addictive behaviour are interrelated. Sexual addiction could be caused by a variety of internal and external factors, and we will …show more content…
discuss these in detail. We will also take a critical outlook on the term “sexual addiction” and how it has been misunderstood in society. Also, we will discuss the various kinds of sexual addictions that have been proposed in existing literature, with a core focus on hypersexuality, nymphomania, don juanism and sexual compulsivity. By discussing the reasons as to why people become addicted to sexual addiction, we will explore the various probable root causes and how they manifest themselves, leading to addiction. In conclusion we will look at the possible treatment methods and discuss possible ways as to how sexual addiction, namely sexual compulsivity, can be addressed.
Unpacking Sexual Addiction
I remember growing up and watching episodes of Ricki Lake where people were claiming they were addicted to sex. This concept somehow baffled me as I tried, but failed to understand why those people were complaining about their appetite and need for sex. Little did I know that along with addiction, came many emotional, physical, biopsychosocial and otherwise sever consequences that impacted their lives and that of the people around them. I have grown to learn that here are many literatures which are available on the topic of sexual addiction and the definitions and explanations of sexual addiction which are given are somewhat similar. Many have termed it hypersexuality, compulsive sexual disorder, and most recently, the South African Sexual Health Association is attempting to have the term ‘Sexual Addiction’ changed to Non-paraphilic Hypersexuality, for now we will call it sexual addiction. Some important questions that we should be asking ourselves that will inform the basis of our discussion are: where do we draw the line between the healthy practice of sex and being addicted to sex? What are the characteristics and patterns of a sexual addict? How much sex is too much and how much is enough and who decides this?
Sexual addiction is characterised by two features: 1) failure to control sexual behaviour, and 2) continuing sexual behaviour despite negative consequences such as feelings of stress and anxiety. Schneider (1991: 3) argues that once sexual behaviour becomes ‘compulsive and continued despite serious adverse consequences, it is addiction’. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, revised third edition (DSM-III-R) has nine criteria for chemical dependency which, also applies to sexual addiction. In order to be diagnosed with an addiction, you have to have 3 of the listed criteria present. The average time frame that sexual addiction behaviour has to be present before diagnosis is 6 months. Table 1 (appendix) specifically lays out the diagnosis for sexual addictions, highlighting tolerance, withdrawal and unsuccessful efforts to reduce behaviour as just a few of the criteria for sexual addiction diagnosis. Being addicted to sex is as hard an addiction as all the other addictions that are commonly known to society, because as much as sex is pleasurable, addiction to sex evokes feelings of distress and anxiety that the individual may unsuccessfully attempt to reduce. Like all other addictions, there is always a root cause. Existing literature argues that sexual addiction is a way of the addicted to ‘act-out’ their existing psychological dilemmas. Addiction is compensation for something lost or something desired. Once again, Schneider (1991) argues that addictive behaviour is used as an escape from internal discomfort, hence it becomes addictive and compulsive. A disorder can either be primary or secondary in its nature. Primary disorder, also known as lifelong disorder, usually stems from early childhood encounters; whereas a secondary disorder is less likely to be from early childhood experiences, but rather due to recent anxiety related, medical issues etc.
Sexual addiction is broad based and there are various kinds of sexual addictions. Underneath the umbrella of sexual addiction, different kinds of sexual addictions such as nymphomania, hypersexuality, Don Juanism, sexual compulsivity and many other paraphilia exist. Each of these addictions are similar because they all share a common key feature of excessive compulsive sexual behaviour.
Exploring Sexual Addictions
As per the discussion in the previous section “Unpacking Sexual Addiction”, we will now individually look at the different sexual disorders by defining the disorder and giving the symptoms which are specific to it. The following disorders are just a few amongst the many other sexual disorders which can be found in literature. The nature of each of the disorders may differ, but the cycle of addiction is the same.
Nymphomania
The Examiner defines nymphomania as a psychosexual disorder of women. The term ‘psychosexual’ suggests that this dysfunction is not only of sexual origin, but also of a psychological manner. A woman who has an insatiable desire for sexual satisfaction is diagnosed as a Nymphomaniac. Because this disorder is also of a psychological nature, nymphomania is often the result of an unconscious conflict concerning personal adequacy.
According to Mayo Clinic, nymphomania is caused by medical conditions such as:
An abundance of brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Abnormalities in the area of the brain that affects sexual desires.
Other symptoms of nymphomaniacs are:
Multiple sex partners, many of which are anonymous
Not being emotionally attached in sexual relationships
Hypersexuality
Psych Central defines hypersexuality as “a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex, pornography, compulsive masturbation, romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for at least 6 months.” A person with hypersexuality poses an excessive sexual appetite which often leads to them engaging in sexual practises as a means of ‘acting out’.
Despite their unsuccessful attempts of controlling or reducing their sexual urges, they continue engaging in their sexual behaviour because of their mood states such as anxiety, depression, boredom, etc. There are certain manifestations of hypersexuality, namely masturbation, internet sex, pornography, phone sex and many others. It is important to bear in mind that there is nothing wrong with masturbation itself, and some of the other specifiers. It only becomes a problem when these are manifested in an addictive manner, excessively and due to or as a result of negative mood
states.
Don Juanism
Don Juan is a masculine psychological complex, somewhat of a psychological persona, that is found in men. Analytical Psychology argues that this complex is characterised by constant personal frustrations when it comes to having intimate relations with women. Men with this complex objectify women, using them purely as a source of their own pleasure. An ignorant view about the role of women solely being there for the satisfaction of men characterises this disorder. On a more psychological outlook, a Don Juan changes partners regularly and has difficulty to love one woman and build long-terms, stable relationships, hence failing to create a family. This persona could be caused by many reasons, maybe even that this kind of man seeks his mother in every woman he pursues, as suggested by Carl Jung.
Sexual Compulsivity
Sexual compulsivity is defined as the lack of control over one’s sexual behaviour. Most people who are diagnosed with the disorder claim to have an incontrollable urge to continue with their unhealthy sexual tendencies. Cooper et al (2001: 63) argued that there is often a correlation or simultaneous co-existence between sexual addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The behaviour of people with OCD is “repetitive and ritualistic” and are done to reduce anxiety. People with compulsive sexual behaviour tend to develop an obsession with sex, which is characterised by sexual fantasies and behaviours which are not culturally, socially or morally acceptable. The symptoms of sexual compulsivity include:
Sexual acts which are taken to the extreme
Paraphilia
Sexual impulses that you cannot control
Excessive sex as a form of escape from undesired feelings
Risky sexual behaviour despite consequences
These symptoms vary in type and severity for different people, Table 2 (appendix) gives us a more detailed outline of compulsive sexual disorder.
Treatments and Solutions
The therapeutic aim of in sexual addiction is abstinence from compulsive sexual behaviour, by adapting healthy sexuality. As much as addiction negatively affects the addicts’ relationships, it is vital that once they seek help, they are supported by their partner or close relative. One of the biggest issues that face addicts is shame, and this is often best addressed by them receiving support from people who were in the same situation who will understand them. Withdrawal from sexual addiction may take anything from several days to almost a year. I will be looking at three various ways in which sexual addiction can be treated:
Psychotherapy (inclusive of cognitive behavioural and group therapy)
Medications
Self-help groups
Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: focus is on increasing awareness of the unconscious thoughts and behaviours that lead to the undesired actions. New thoughts are then developed and inner conflicts are resolved.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: helps to identify the unhealthy beliefs and behaviours, in order to be able to replace them with healthy ones.
Group Therapy: this involves meeting with a group regularly to explore emotions and relationships while being guided by a professional.
Medications
Medications have the ability to work on brain chemicals which are linked to obsessive thoughts. Medications that can be used in treating sexual addiction include:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
Mood stabilizers: Lithium, which is generally used to treat bipolar disorder, may also reduce uncontrolled sexual urges.
Naltrexone (ReVia): normally used in the treatment of alcoholism. Blocks the nucleus accumbens (brains’ pleasure centre).
Anti-androgens: reduces the effects of sex hormones in men.
Self-help groups
These groups help and give support in order to deal with the issues that come along with sexual addiction. Most follow the 12 step model, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Some group sessions take place over the internet while others are available in different communities
Conclusion
Sexual addiction, like all addictions cannot simply be ‘cured’, addicts need to be equipped with ways in which they can have the ability to make sound decisions about their sexual practices. When sexual behaviour causes distress and leads to harmful consequences, yet a person fails to control their behaviour, it is then an addiction. One of the many health risks of sexual addiction is contracting a sexually transmitted disease like HIV because of sleeping with multiple partners. As we know, South Africa is one of the countries which have the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world. Because we live in a cultural society that doesn’t speak openly about issues of sexuality, it is easy for sex to be misused and misunderstood. With a problem like sexual addiction which could possibly lead to the spread of HIV, it is important to find more effective ways in which we can address the problem in order to prevent any further spread of the virus because of sexual addiction. In conclusion, sexual addiction is amongst some of the misunderstood addictions and as a result people live with the addiction and do not seek professional help because they fear disgrace, humiliation and being judged. We need to understand that most time, there is a psychological issue that is present and acts or manifests its self in excessive sexual practises. We need to adopt a sex positive paradigm in our society by teaching people about healthy and safe sexual practices in order to create a society where sex is not a taboo topic, but rather a society where sex is accepted and where all are educated to make informed sexual decisions.
Appendix
Table One Table 2
REFERENCES
Marlene Cooper & Robert A. Lebo (2001). Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Compulsivity. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 1:2, 61-74.
Jennifer P. Schneider (1991). How to recognize the signs of sexual addiction: Asking the right questions may uncover serious problems. 90:6, 1-14.
Psych Central: Symptoms of Sexual Addiction. Available: www.pyschcentral.com/lib/hypersexuality-symptoms-of-sexual-addiction/00011488. Accessed on 23 July 2013: 14h40pm.
Examiner: What is Nymphomania? Available: www.examiner.com/article/sex-101-what-is-nymphomania. Accessed on 23 July 2013 at 15h15pm.
Analytical Psychology: Don Juan. Available: www.analyticalpsychology.wordpress.com/tag/don-juan. Accessed on 23 July 2013 at 17h22pm.
Wiess, R. & Carnes, PJ. Sexual Recovery. Available: www.glowcounselling.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/G-SexualAddictionScreeningTest.pdf Accessed on 6 August 2013 at 15h12pm
Mick T.M, Hollander E, 2006. CNS Spectrums. 11(12).
Goodman, A. Psychiatric Times: Diagnostic Criteria for Sexual Addiction. Available: www.psychiatrictimes.com/sexual addiction/sexual-addiction-diagnosis-and-treatment. Accessed: 06 August 2013 at 15h45
Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic: Compulsive Sexual Behaviour. Available: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/compulsive-sexual-behavior/DS00144/DSECTION=symptoms Accessed: 08 August 2013 at 15h18pm.
Cooper et al (2001) defines sexual addiction as ‘a life threatening obsession- a pattern of out-of-control sexual behaviour with serious physical, emotional and legal consequences.’ While there are many definitions and translations of what sexual addiction truly is, the above mentioned definition of sexual addiction reveals to us that, like all other addictions, sexual addiction affects the individual on many different levels and has serious consequences which are progressive and could potentially be harmful. The many other definitions of sexual addiction also reveal to us that most sex addicts fail to control their compulsive sexual behaviour and are later faced with feelings of guilt and anxiety as a result thereof. It is therefore important to understand that because of the nature of any addiction, all the effects of addictive behaviour are interrelated. Sexual addiction could be caused by a variety of internal and external factors, and we will …show more content…
discuss these in detail. We will also take a critical outlook on the term “sexual addiction” and how it has been misunderstood in society. Also, we will discuss the various kinds of sexual addictions that have been proposed in existing literature, with a core focus on hypersexuality, nymphomania, don juanism and sexual compulsivity. By discussing the reasons as to why people become addicted to sexual addiction, we will explore the various probable root causes and how they manifest themselves, leading to addiction. In conclusion we will look at the possible treatment methods and discuss possible ways as to how sexual addiction, namely sexual compulsivity, can be addressed.
Unpacking Sexual Addiction
I remember growing up and watching episodes of Ricki Lake where people were claiming they were addicted to sex. This concept somehow baffled me as I tried, but failed to understand why those people were complaining about their appetite and need for sex. Little did I know that along with addiction, came many emotional, physical, biopsychosocial and otherwise sever consequences that impacted their lives and that of the people around them. I have grown to learn that here are many literatures which are available on the topic of sexual addiction and the definitions and explanations of sexual addiction which are given are somewhat similar. Many have termed it hypersexuality, compulsive sexual disorder, and most recently, the South African Sexual Health Association is attempting to have the term ‘Sexual Addiction’ changed to Non-paraphilic Hypersexuality, for now we will call it sexual addiction. Some important questions that we should be asking ourselves that will inform the basis of our discussion are: where do we draw the line between the healthy practice of sex and being addicted to sex? What are the characteristics and patterns of a sexual addict? How much sex is too much and how much is enough and who decides this?
Sexual addiction is characterised by two features: 1) failure to control sexual behaviour, and 2) continuing sexual behaviour despite negative consequences such as feelings of stress and anxiety. Schneider (1991: 3) argues that once sexual behaviour becomes ‘compulsive and continued despite serious adverse consequences, it is addiction’. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, revised third edition (DSM-III-R) has nine criteria for chemical dependency which, also applies to sexual addiction. In order to be diagnosed with an addiction, you have to have 3 of the listed criteria present. The average time frame that sexual addiction behaviour has to be present before diagnosis is 6 months. Table 1 (appendix) specifically lays out the diagnosis for sexual addictions, highlighting tolerance, withdrawal and unsuccessful efforts to reduce behaviour as just a few of the criteria for sexual addiction diagnosis. Being addicted to sex is as hard an addiction as all the other addictions that are commonly known to society, because as much as sex is pleasurable, addiction to sex evokes feelings of distress and anxiety that the individual may unsuccessfully attempt to reduce. Like all other addictions, there is always a root cause. Existing literature argues that sexual addiction is a way of the addicted to ‘act-out’ their existing psychological dilemmas. Addiction is compensation for something lost or something desired. Once again, Schneider (1991) argues that addictive behaviour is used as an escape from internal discomfort, hence it becomes addictive and compulsive. A disorder can either be primary or secondary in its nature. Primary disorder, also known as lifelong disorder, usually stems from early childhood encounters; whereas a secondary disorder is less likely to be from early childhood experiences, but rather due to recent anxiety related, medical issues etc.
Sexual addiction is broad based and there are various kinds of sexual addictions. Underneath the umbrella of sexual addiction, different kinds of sexual addictions such as nymphomania, hypersexuality, Don Juanism, sexual compulsivity and many other paraphilia exist. Each of these addictions are similar because they all share a common key feature of excessive compulsive sexual behaviour.
Exploring Sexual Addictions
As per the discussion in the previous section “Unpacking Sexual Addiction”, we will now individually look at the different sexual disorders by defining the disorder and giving the symptoms which are specific to it. The following disorders are just a few amongst the many other sexual disorders which can be found in literature. The nature of each of the disorders may differ, but the cycle of addiction is the same.
Nymphomania
The Examiner defines nymphomania as a psychosexual disorder of women. The term ‘psychosexual’ suggests that this dysfunction is not only of sexual origin, but also of a psychological manner. A woman who has an insatiable desire for sexual satisfaction is diagnosed as a Nymphomaniac. Because this disorder is also of a psychological nature, nymphomania is often the result of an unconscious conflict concerning personal adequacy.
According to Mayo Clinic, nymphomania is caused by medical conditions such as:
An abundance of brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Abnormalities in the area of the brain that affects sexual desires.
Other symptoms of nymphomaniacs are:
Multiple sex partners, many of which are anonymous
Not being emotionally attached in sexual relationships
Hypersexuality
Psych Central defines hypersexuality as “a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex, pornography, compulsive masturbation, romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for at least 6 months.” A person with hypersexuality poses an excessive sexual appetite which often leads to them engaging in sexual practises as a means of ‘acting out’.
Despite their unsuccessful attempts of controlling or reducing their sexual urges, they continue engaging in their sexual behaviour because of their mood states such as anxiety, depression, boredom, etc. There are certain manifestations of hypersexuality, namely masturbation, internet sex, pornography, phone sex and many others. It is important to bear in mind that there is nothing wrong with masturbation itself, and some of the other specifiers. It only becomes a problem when these are manifested in an addictive manner, excessively and due to or as a result of negative mood
states.
Don Juanism
Don Juan is a masculine psychological complex, somewhat of a psychological persona, that is found in men. Analytical Psychology argues that this complex is characterised by constant personal frustrations when it comes to having intimate relations with women. Men with this complex objectify women, using them purely as a source of their own pleasure. An ignorant view about the role of women solely being there for the satisfaction of men characterises this disorder. On a more psychological outlook, a Don Juan changes partners regularly and has difficulty to love one woman and build long-terms, stable relationships, hence failing to create a family. This persona could be caused by many reasons, maybe even that this kind of man seeks his mother in every woman he pursues, as suggested by Carl Jung.
Sexual Compulsivity
Sexual compulsivity is defined as the lack of control over one’s sexual behaviour. Most people who are diagnosed with the disorder claim to have an incontrollable urge to continue with their unhealthy sexual tendencies. Cooper et al (2001: 63) argued that there is often a correlation or simultaneous co-existence between sexual addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The behaviour of people with OCD is “repetitive and ritualistic” and are done to reduce anxiety. People with compulsive sexual behaviour tend to develop an obsession with sex, which is characterised by sexual fantasies and behaviours which are not culturally, socially or morally acceptable. The symptoms of sexual compulsivity include:
Sexual acts which are taken to the extreme
Paraphilia
Sexual impulses that you cannot control
Excessive sex as a form of escape from undesired feelings
Risky sexual behaviour despite consequences
These symptoms vary in type and severity for different people, Table 2 (appendix) gives us a more detailed outline of compulsive sexual disorder.
Treatments and Solutions
The therapeutic aim of in sexual addiction is abstinence from compulsive sexual behaviour, by adapting healthy sexuality. As much as addiction negatively affects the addicts’ relationships, it is vital that once they seek help, they are supported by their partner or close relative. One of the biggest issues that face addicts is shame, and this is often best addressed by them receiving support from people who were in the same situation who will understand them. Withdrawal from sexual addiction may take anything from several days to almost a year. I will be looking at three various ways in which sexual addiction can be treated:
Psychotherapy (inclusive of cognitive behavioural and group therapy)
Medications
Self-help groups
Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: focus is on increasing awareness of the unconscious thoughts and behaviours that lead to the undesired actions. New thoughts are then developed and inner conflicts are resolved.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: helps to identify the unhealthy beliefs and behaviours, in order to be able to replace them with healthy ones.
Group Therapy: this involves meeting with a group regularly to explore emotions and relationships while being guided by a professional.
Medications
Medications have the ability to work on brain chemicals which are linked to obsessive thoughts. Medications that can be used in treating sexual addiction include:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
Mood stabilizers: Lithium, which is generally used to treat bipolar disorder, may also reduce uncontrolled sexual urges.
Naltrexone (ReVia): normally used in the treatment of alcoholism. Blocks the nucleus accumbens (brains’ pleasure centre).
Anti-androgens: reduces the effects of sex hormones in men.
Self-help groups
These groups help and give support in order to deal with the issues that come along with sexual addiction. Most follow the 12 step model, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Some group sessions take place over the internet while others are available in different communities
Conclusion
Sexual addiction, like all addictions cannot simply be ‘cured’, addicts need to be equipped with ways in which they can have the ability to make sound decisions about their sexual practices. When sexual behaviour causes distress and leads to harmful consequences, yet a person fails to control their behaviour, it is then an addiction. One of the many health risks of sexual addiction is contracting a sexually transmitted disease like HIV because of sleeping with multiple partners. As we know, South Africa is one of the countries which have the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world. Because we live in a cultural society that doesn’t speak openly about issues of sexuality, it is easy for sex to be misused and misunderstood. With a problem like sexual addiction which could possibly lead to the spread of HIV, it is important to find more effective ways in which we can address the problem in order to prevent any further spread of the virus because of sexual addiction. In conclusion, sexual addiction is amongst some of the misunderstood addictions and as a result people live with the addiction and do not seek professional help because they fear disgrace, humiliation and being judged. We need to understand that most time, there is a psychological issue that is present and acts or manifests its self in excessive sexual practises. We need to adopt a sex positive paradigm in our society by teaching people about healthy and safe sexual practices in order to create a society where sex is not a taboo topic, but rather a society where sex is accepted and where all are educated to make informed sexual decisions.
Appendix
Table One Table 2
REFERENCES
Marlene Cooper & Robert A. Lebo (2001). Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Compulsivity. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 1:2, 61-74.
Jennifer P. Schneider (1991). How to recognize the signs of sexual addiction: Asking the right questions may uncover serious problems. 90:6, 1-14.
Psych Central: Symptoms of Sexual Addiction. Available: www.pyschcentral.com/lib/hypersexuality-symptoms-of-sexual-addiction/00011488. Accessed on 23 July 2013: 14h40pm.
Examiner: What is Nymphomania? Available: www.examiner.com/article/sex-101-what-is-nymphomania. Accessed on 23 July 2013 at 15h15pm.
Analytical Psychology: Don Juan. Available: www.analyticalpsychology.wordpress.com/tag/don-juan. Accessed on 23 July 2013 at 17h22pm.
Wiess, R. & Carnes, PJ. Sexual Recovery. Available: www.glowcounselling.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/G-SexualAddictionScreeningTest.pdf Accessed on 6 August 2013 at 15h12pm
Mick T.M, Hollander E, 2006. CNS Spectrums. 11(12).
Goodman, A. Psychiatric Times: Diagnostic Criteria for Sexual Addiction. Available: www.psychiatrictimes.com/sexual addiction/sexual-addiction-diagnosis-and-treatment. Accessed: 06 August 2013 at 15h45
Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic: Compulsive Sexual Behaviour. Available: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/compulsive-sexual-behavior/DS00144/DSECTION=symptoms Accessed: 08 August 2013 at 15h18pm.