Sexual Addiction

Sexual Addition may be a common problem but it still remains a relatively understood condition characterized by strong sexual urges. In recent weeks, the issue has resurfaced. Last week, a Journalist Brian Alexander(2007), this psychological condition was once again questioned and the condition was described as such: "Sexual addiction is defined as any sexually-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones and one's work environment". However, many psychologists and therapists alike find this definition to be vague and void of concrete symptoms that differ from those that are experienced by someone not suffering from a sexual addiction. Sexual addiction, like most psychological disorders is hard to diagnose and even harder to understand. This research explores the mind of a sex addict, the symptoms or origin and finally the proposed cures and their success.

There is no consensus that sexual addition actually exists within the medical community. The week of October 28, 2007, for instance, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality met in Indianapolis to discuss the topic of sexual addiction. Some argue that there is no such thing, and that terms like "sexual addiction" and "porn addiction" are dangerous titles to place on people. The Mayo Clinic, which is an internationally renowned medical clinic, owned uses compulsive sexual behavior as the brief definition of sexual addiction. The more complete definition is "an overwhelming need for sex and are so intensely preoccupied with this need that it interferes with your job and your relationships.(Amico JM, 2005)" People with the addiction tend to spend so much time thinking about sex, that they are unable to focus on daily activities. Almost every aspect of their life triggers a sexual thought and they may find it difficult to attend social functions, hold a job or make long lasting friends. Often times the addicts sexual fantasies will be so intense and elaborate that they loose site of the world around them.

While all those who agree that sexual addition is a form of compulsive behavior, different opinions exists as to how compulsive a person must be about sex to be diagnosed with the disorder. Patrick Carnes(2004) is a PhD who has been at the forefront of sexual addition. To date he has written ten books on the topic and is currently working on two more. While he agrees that the disorder is difficult to understand, he has devoted a great deal of time to creating a better understanding and making sure that those who suffer from the disease can be properly diagnosed and receive necessary treatment. As with the diagnosis of any disease, there must be a concrete list of symptoms and the patient must experience all or some to be diagnosed. Therefore, Carnes(2004) has developed ten specific characteristics that he feels define a sex addict. A list of symptoms has made the disease easier to diagnose because psychologists and researchers are now able to look for the above specific traits. However, despite these concrete symptoms, the addiction can be difficult to diagnose because addicts tend to be secretive and too embarrassed to share details about what happens behind closed doors. The disorder can also be masked by other forms of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Manic Depression. Some of the other common obsessions that may coexist with a sexual addiction are gambling, food, alcohol and drugs. Many researchers believe that sexual addiction may be the root of the problem by many of these more common diagnoses. To help alleviate some of the confusion behind the diagnosis of sexual addition, Carnes(2004) has developed the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST), which as an elaborate assessment tool to help medical professionals determine whether a sexual addiction is present.

However, while a more specific list of symptoms and the SAST may help to simplify the diagnosis, the origin of sexual addition is still widely misunderstood. Many believe that unlike a typical person that looks at sex as a destination, with an orgasm being the ultimate satisfaction, sexual addicts look at sex as a journey, with no known ending. The chemical dopamine that is released in the brain during sexual activity creates the feeling of euphoria. The same chemical is also created by highly addictive drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Therefore, like a drug addict, the person becomes obsessed with the feeling of being on a high from the dopamine released into the brain. They begin to develop compulsive patterns of behavior in an attempt to achieve the same feeling. Their routines become more complicated and intense to the point that they cannot function without having thoughts of achieving the same high. Therefore, many sex addicts are referred to as "chemical addicts." Like a drug addict who needs to increase their dose in order to feel a high, a sex addict must increase their sexual behaviors in order to feel the same chemical release into the brain.

Due to the sensitivity of the subject, the person will often try to cure themselves. However, there are four characteristics that tend to keep them from success. The first is preoccupation. The addict becomes completely absorbed by sexual thoughts or fantasies. The second is reutilization in which the addict follows