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Did you know that sex addiction exists?
Many of us enjoy sex, so it is common to believe that sex addiction is a favorable thing.
However, this belongs to the rest of addictions such as alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, therefore it is a disease and requires treatment.
Sex addiction involves an uncontrollable sexual desire that leads to repetitive sexual behavior, sometimes in inappropriate environments with a high level of dissatisfaction.
This means that there is a difference between high sex drive and sex addiction.
This destination comes mainly from the level that is invested in these sexual thoughts, fantasies and desires.
They can reach the point where the person stops being functional because the sexual impulse is uncontrollable and interrupts their daily tasks.
According to the World Health Organization, 5% of people worldwide are addicted to sex. How other addictions are has a psychophysiological correlate that leads to dependence on things related to sex.
Deriving in negative consequences, since they put aside everything for the sex that becomes the center of everything in their lives.
The center of this addiction is evidenced when these sexual actions are put into practice to reduce emotional discomfort and not in the search for pleasure as such. It is generally more common in men, but women are not exempt from suffering from it.
Predisposing factors
Biological
Patients with sex addiction show greater activation in the areas of the anterior cingulate cortex, the ventral stratum, and the amygdala.
And at the same time a low activation of the frontal lobe, so the difference between the brain of a person with sex addiction and people without this addiction is quite clearly distinguished.
Personality traits
Those people who have personality traits that presuppose the search for sensations, are more vulnerable to developing this addiction.
Chemical component
High levels of libido are associated with an increase in dopaminergic neurotransmitters, while the opposite effect would be related to the production of serotonergic substances.
Environmental
It has been shown that there is a relationship between sex addiction and the childhood of some hypersexualized people due to having suffered trauma or sexual abuse.
Abusive childhood
Also, more predisposed are those people who have lived their childhood in contexts with unstructured families and with failed relationships.
When can this become a problem ?
This addiction prevents the enjoyment of a healthy sexuality, since it is characterized by a persistent and uncontrollable urge of sexual desire that is not able to be satisfied.
This results in repeated sexual behavior, which hinders daily habits and affects personal care, physical health and other focuses of the individual's interest.
The set of derived thoughts, fantasies and actions often lead to a feeling of guilt and shame due to which they hide their anguish or make an effort to minimize its reality.
It is common for people to try to reduce this repetitive sexual behavior without success.
Sexual behaviors are maintained despite the numerous problems that they generate in multiple areas of his life.
Learn more about the treatment
Sex addiction like other addictions is a disease, so it has a treatment aimed at general improvement and the possibility of achieving a healthy sexuality.
It is necessary that an expert diagnose this disease before proceeding with the appropriate treatment. This can be divided into six phases that we will present to you below:
Detoxification
Psychological depletion
Standardization
Lifestyle change
Search for new goals
Relapse prevention
The studies developed around the treatment of this addition do not present a single recommended result, however the treatments that have demonstrated the most efficacy are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interview, and couples therapy.
Regarding the recommended pharmacological treatments, those with the highest degree of scientific evidence in their favor are the brain serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
These they are more effective when accompanied by therapy and, in some severe cases, the use of antiandrogens is recommended.
If you feel identified with what we have described above, you do not have to be ashamed, do not hesitate to seek specialized help, since it is possible that you are suffering from a sex addiction and need professional support.
