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Tags: self improvement, addictions, sexual addiction
 Sexual addiction could be defined as an obsessive sex drive or urge that has gone out of control for a person. It is termed as a process addiction and is different from substance addiction like drug or alcohol addiction. In the case of a process addiction, the person experiences a certain high from the chemicals released into the brain and not from any extrenal source.
Sexual addiction could take numerous forms like the use of pornography, voyeurism, repeated sexual affairs, patronizing prostitutes, masturbation and extra marital affairs. An addict is likely to affect his private relationships. The person experiences a heightened sex drive as compared to his partner and when his desires are not satisfied, he rebels in various ways.
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The sex addict becomes exceedingly obsessed with satisfying his own needs at the expense of those people around him. When denied of favors, a sex addict stops giving emotional support to his spouse and this ultimately damages their relationship. In common cases, the problem results or ends in bitter feelings among the partners or even divorce.
Sexual addicts oftentimes deny having this problem and they try to blame other individuals for their problems or make some excuses for their deeds. Typically, the sex addict acquires less satisfaction from the sexual act and forms no emotional bond whatsoever with his or her sex partners. The problem keeps on magnifying for a sexual addict.
Addicts do not mind in seeking thrills of an increasingly illicit nature. He or she craves for more stimulation and ends up acting out their fantasies which are formed in their thoughts. So the wife or husband just becomes an object of sexual gratification in their relationship. In most forms of sex addiction the behavior is done secret and the addict becomes an expert in trying to hide his private life from those people around him.
Addiction to sex could be caused due to exposure to pornography at a very young age. Under some of these circumstances, the addict continues his habits even after getting married. Under extreme cases, it could even result in molestation, rape or worst, even murder. Some of the behaviors linked to sex addiction involve exhibitionism, molestation, engaging in one-night stands, compulsive masturbation, obsessive dating through personal ads, having more than one sex partners, sexual harassment, computer or cyber sex, use of prostitutes, rape, extra-marital affairs, constant use of porn, voyeurism and molestation.
In several cases, an addict may face problems such as loss of jobs, health crisis, breakup of a relationship or an arrest. The conditions oftentimes compel the addict to admit to his predicament. The treatment is administered only when a person accepts that he has a problem and needs help.
There are numerous programs designed for individuals with addicitons to sex. The treatment includes information and education on individual counseling, healthy sexuality, marital therapy or/and family therapy. While undergoing the treatment, the person is fostered to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are also common medications used to treat this addiction like Anafranil and Prozac.
About the author
The author of this article, Amy Twain, is a Self Improvement Coach who has been successfully coaching and guiding clients for many years. Amy recently published a highly successful home study course on how to boost your Self Esteem. More info about this “Quick-Action Plan for A More Confident You” is availableHERE.
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