Sex addiction has been a topic faced by therapists and the scientific community for many years. It wasn’t until 2012 that the symptoms of sex addiction were first officially defined by UCLA, the University of California Los Angeles in 2012. Defining sex as an addiction is now controversial because sex addiction is no longer defined as an addiction. Instead, it is defined in many different ways, such as:
- Sexual compulsive disorder
- Sexual behavioral disorder
- Hypersexual disorder
Loosely, sex addiction can be defined as any sexual activity which gets out of control. Generally, it is losing control over an activity, behavior, substance, or habit, which brings up the word “addiction”. Though addiction is many things, like a physical tolerance, a psychological craving, and spiritual need, it is also the end result of losing the ability to manage and control oneself. This is what happens to many people when it comes to sex. For whatever their underlying reasons, they find it difficult to manage and control their sexual behaviors.
Sex and all sexual activity becomes a problem when the inability to control and manage it results in negative consequences. Despite growing negative consequences like failing mental health, failing physical health, failing relationships, and other issues, someone will continue to engage in their compulsive sexual activities.
People who simply “like sex” or have a highly active sexual lifestyle tend to create careers, form relationships, and situate their lives around their hyper sexuality. As a result, there is no shame or consequence associated with their behaviors because they are normalized. Sex addiction is not normalized. It’s a problem which gets in the way of being able to live life normally.
Physical Effects Of Sex Addiction
People confuse sexual pleasure with relaxation and euphoria. It is true that sexual climax can produce these experiences. When sexual climax is associated with an out of control problem, however, there can be harmful physical effects. For example, when might not be able to regulate their sexual hormones anymore. Sexual dysfunction, especially in males, is common with sex addiction issues. When sex addiction is co-occurring with substance use disorders like alcoholism and addiction there can be an even wider range of physical effects.
Sex addiction recovery needs to be an experience of rejuvenation and restoration. At Cypress Lake Recovery, we seek to provide balance and help clients gain confidence in their ability to make healthy choices. Providing luxury residential treatment in the lush countryside of East Texas, our residential programs exemplify excellence in addiction treatment. For information, call us today at 866-217-2636.
