Sexual Addiction Types, Signs and Control

The word “addiction” refers to a condition or state of being dependent on a particular activity, substance or thing. That dependency can either be a physiological or psychological one, and the resulting discord which it causes in the effected person’s life can be a daunting one. Often when one hears the word “addiction,” one thinks of more socially talked about kinds of addiction such as drug & alcohol addiction. However, not often talked about, there has been an increasing incidence of sexual addiction. Although it many not have the immediate physical effects other forms of addiction can have, it can be equally as devastating to the individual.

Type of Sexual Addiction

Sexual addiction can be considered an umbrella term that encompasses many different forms of sexually related addiction. Some types of sexual addiction can include:

• Unmanageable or excessive viewing of pornography
• Uncontrollable or excessively frequent masturbation
• Adoption of unsafe sexual practices (prostitution, multiple partners, unprotected sex)
• Recent practices in fetishes or exhibitionism

Sexual Addiction Signs

Once these behaviors begin to alter and become detrimental to the individual’s social, family, personal and/or work relationships, is when the behaviors transcend from being habitual to addictive. Often, the signs and symptoms may be not easy to discern. Signs include:

• Decreased interest or time for work, school, friends or family obligations
• Increased legal, financial or relationship issues
• Changes in behavior or thoughts that may be more sexual in nature

Sexual Addiction Control

Traditionally, the mainstay treatments for such addictions have been cognitive behavioral therapy with assistance from medications such as SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). However, there has been a recent discovery of holistic and natural methods of therapy that emphasizes returning balance to the individual. Ways by which destructive patterns of behavior are replaced with healthier, positive and satisfying ones are found and reinforced so that the necessity to rely on ill-patterned sexual behaviors no longer becomes a sole source of satisfaction.In addition to holistic and behavioral therapies, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise should also be emphasized. Healthy lifestyle practices and behaviors such as healthy eating choices, managing and maintaining healthy social, family and work relationships as well as keeping physically fit are all essential components in successfully instilling any behavioral modification regimen.Social support is important, and often help is readily available. It is important find and address the root of the problem while addressing the manifesting symptoms. If you or someone you know may be suffering from sexual addiction, please consult your primary care physician or a psychologist with your concerns.