Learn about the causes of Sexual Addiction & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of
Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Sexual Addiction within New
Zealand.
Therapies which may benefit Sexual Addiction
Sexual addiction is the description used for the thoughts and behaviour
of a person with an abnormally high sex drive or obsession with sexual
activity. Sexual addiction can affect day-to-day routine and ability to
form long-lasting relationships. Behaviours associated with sexual
addiction can include compulsive masturbation, affairs, one-night
stands, pornography use and voyeurism.
Causes of sexual addiction
What causes sexual
addiction is not fully understood however social and biochemical
factors can alter the way the brain handles thoughts and judgement
about sexual activity. These factors can develop from the way a person
is raised by parents, a family history of addiction or social pressures
created by peers and the media.
Changes
in the brain can trigger a preoccupation with sex and an addict will
exclude all other activities in favour of compulsive sexual behaviour,
even when there are negative consequences. The sexual experience itself
rarely involves intimacy but does give a sense of euphoria far beyond
what is usually experienced by others.
Sexual addiction is used
as a way to cope with negative feelings, work difficulties or personal
problems. As with any addiction, reward from the experience soon gives
way to feelings of guilt, remorse and a declaration or promise of
change.
Sex addicts have been found to come from dysfunctional
family environments and are more likely to have been abused as
children. Parenting is often described by sex addicts as being distant
and uncaring and many will have a previous family history of some type
of addiction.
Symptoms of sexual addiction
There are common behaviours which indicate that someone may have an addiction to sex.
These can include:
- A persistent preoccupation with sex or craving for sex
- Unsuccessful attempts to limit sexual activity
- A desire to stop sexual practices but continually engaging in them
- Constant thoughts of sex to the detriment of other social activities
- Spending an excessive amount of time on sexual activities such as viewing pornography or looking for sexual partners
- Neglecting work, family or social life to pursue sex
- Excessive sexual behaviour despite negative consequences such as health risks or relationship break-downs.
- Problems with mood when unable to engage in sexual behaviour
Diagnosis of sexual addiction
As with any addiction, sex addicts will have an underlying mental
health problem which must be addressed in order for them to overcome
their problem.
A diagnosis of addiction should be carried out
by a mental health expert who will make an assessment based on
behaviours as explained above. It is advisable to get a referral from
your GP before this assessment can take place.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk
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