The basics of sex addiction
Many people have heard the term “Sex Addiction” but are not capable of defining it as anything more than “being addicted to sex”. According to Dr. Michael Herkov, a neuropsychologist, sex addiction is “a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts”.
The term “Sexual Addiction” first appeared towards the end of the Sexual Revolution, more specifically in the mid 1970’s.
It is often debated whether or not sexual addiction is real and if it is in fact an actual addiction. While it is not listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), that does not mean that it is not real and not a problem. According to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English, a problem is defined as “a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution” or “something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.” By this definition, it is clear that sex addiction is, in fact, a problem. Also some sex addicts, generally those who are not in denial, do seek help in order to find a solution, which is another reason why sexual addiction is considered to be an important concern.
It is often debated whether or not sexual addiction is real and if it is in fact an actual addiction. While it is not listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), that does not mean that it is not real and not a problem. According to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English, a problem is defined as “a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution” or “something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.” By this definition, it is clear that sex addiction is, in fact, a problem. Also some sex addicts, generally those who are not in denial, do seek help in order to find a solution, which is another reason why sexual addiction is considered to be an important concern.
Just like any other addiction, there are usually underlying problems which give rise to the addiction. Common ones for sexual addiction are stress, depression and anxiety.
There are different levels of sex addiction; some being more serious than others in their negative consequences. This addiction usually starts off as something innocent and non-harmful, however, it can easily begin to escalate if one is not careful.
There are different levels of sex addiction; some being more serious than others in their negative consequences. This addiction usually starts off as something innocent and non-harmful, however, it can easily begin to escalate if one is not careful.
Just like any other subject, sex addiction can be analyzed through different perspectives. This website focuses largely on the biology of sex addiction.
When experiencing sexual pleasure, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins which are then released in the body. These endorphins lead to enjoyment and they also numb pain. In turn, one can experience intense desires and cravings to be in a state of well-being. In order to try to reproduce that state of well-being, one may try to pursue the same sexual experience or perhaps decide to try different sexual activities once the original one is no longer satisfying.
When experiencing sexual pleasure, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins which are then released in the body. These endorphins lead to enjoyment and they also numb pain. In turn, one can experience intense desires and cravings to be in a state of well-being. In order to try to reproduce that state of well-being, one may try to pursue the same sexual experience or perhaps decide to try different sexual activities once the original one is no longer satisfying.
Endorphins are not only released when the addict physically starts engaging in sexual activity but they are released as soon as the routine begins. One’s routine might begin as they start to fantasize about a sexual act they would like to try or one they have already experienced that previously brought them great pleasure.
The body is controlled from the brain by neuropathways which are quite intricate. These neuropathways work in such a way that the more a pathway is used the stronger it becomes. Each time sex addicts think about or experience sexual experiences the matching pathway strengthens.
This can lead to sex addicts pursuing sexual acts whether they have negative consequences or not.
The body is controlled from the brain by neuropathways which are quite intricate. These neuropathways work in such a way that the more a pathway is used the stronger it becomes. Each time sex addicts think about or experience sexual experiences the matching pathway strengthens.
This can lead to sex addicts pursuing sexual acts whether they have negative consequences or not.
References
Barber, K. (2005). Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.
Biochemistry of Sex Addiction. (n.d.). New York Pathways - Treatment and Therapy for Sex Addiction in the New York City Area. Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.newyorkpathways.com/biochemistryofsexaddiction.html
Herkov, M. (n.d.). What Is Sexual Addiction?. Psych Central. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-sexual-addiction/000748
McMillen, M. (n.d.). Is Sex Addiction Real?. WebMD. Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/features/is-sex-addiction-real
Sex Addiction. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_addiction
Wilson., & Robinson. (2011, September 16). Doctors Redefine Sexual Behavior Addictions. Biology Has Plans for Your Love Life. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://marnia.scienceblog.com/65/toss-your-textbooks-docs-redefine-sexual-behavior-addictions/
Barber, K. (2005). Oxford Canadian Dictionary of Current English. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.
Biochemistry of Sex Addiction. (n.d.). New York Pathways - Treatment and Therapy for Sex Addiction in the New York City Area. Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.newyorkpathways.com/biochemistryofsexaddiction.html
Herkov, M. (n.d.). What Is Sexual Addiction?. Psych Central. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-sexual-addiction/000748
McMillen, M. (n.d.). Is Sex Addiction Real?. WebMD. Retrieved March 21, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/features/is-sex-addiction-real
Sex Addiction. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_addiction
Wilson., & Robinson. (2011, September 16). Doctors Redefine Sexual Behavior Addictions. Biology Has Plans for Your Love Life. Retrieved March 22, 2014, from http://marnia.scienceblog.com/65/toss-your-textbooks-docs-redefine-sexual-behavior-addictions/
