Addictions like drugs and sex influence the brain’s reward system through dopamine, a neurotransmitter. When that need is satisfied, dopamine is released, making you experience pleasure, reinforcing the desire to repeat the behavior. Sex addiction is similar as this also is a result of this cycle, resulting in the release of endorphins making them do it again and again.
Any addiction becomes dangerous when the said addict begins to indulge in it excessively and begins to experience a low in personal relationships, social, and family engagement, productivity at work, or takes a toll physically on health and starts interfering in their everyday routine and normal life.
Sex addiction can include different forms:
- Pornography.
- Prostitution.
- Masturbation or fantasy.
- Sadistic or masochistic behavior.
- Exhibition/Voyeurism.
- Other excessive sexual pursuits.
What are the telltale signs of sex addiction that go beyond healthy?
1. Indulging in sexual acts with multiple partners
2. Neglectful of responsibilities of family commitments, job responsibilities
3. Indulging in trade-offs for sex like their time and currency.
4. The dismissiveness of risky sexual behavior: No emotional pondering seems to stop them regardless of the consequences.
5. Unable to reduce the amount of time spent on sexual activities and struggle to minimize the amount of time they spend on sexually related activities like other addictions.
6. Inability to discuss the problem or being in denial.
7. Loss of sexual functioning since the sexual ‘high’ they experience cannot be matched with a real-life partner and this conditioning can reduce the ability to function.
8. Displaying strong disinterest in a partner or beginning to withdraw from sex, is often a sign that something deeper is going on.
9. Constantly watching porn and sexual fantasies.
10. Feeling remorse or guilt after sex.
Consult a mental health professional if you feel the following:
- Powerless over how you act sexually.
- Your sexual choices are making your life unmanageable.
- shame, embarrassment or even self-loathing over your sexual acts.
- You promise yourself you’ll change, but fail to keep those promises.
- You’re so preoccupied with sex it becomes like a ritual to you.
Like all other addictions, sex addiction can also be treated with various therapies like medication, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, relationship counseling, etc.