The Progressive Nature of Sexual Addiction - Essay Example

Sexual Addiction Content Page 2 Introduction 3 Conclusion 6 References 7 This dissertation aims at examining the reality of sexual addiction and the facts as to whether sexual addicts tend to enjoy sex more as compared to other people. I seek to clarify the extent of sexual addiction phenomenon amongst those affected and the repercussions if this problem is not solved and in good time. The dissertation seeks to challenge the notion that sexual addiction is just sex and that sexual addicts enjoy sex more. The data used have been sourced from published reports and archives both online and hardcopies. Sexual Addiction Introduction Sexual addiction is one of the least understood and least famous amongst several forms of addiction. The unwillingness of the society to take an open and honest look at the concept of sexuality, has contributed greatly to the lack of understanding and knowledge despite the fact that it has been in existence in history. Sexual addiction is seen as more of an illusion than a reality, and also sexual addicts are viewed as if they enjoy sex more than the normal individuals. Over the past three decades sexual addiction has been acknowledged as one of the common problems in a society similar to compulsive gambling, drug and alcohol addiction. Personally I believe that sexual addiction is real and that sexual addicts do not essentially tend to enjoy sex more as compared to normal persons. Sex addiction also known as “sexual compulsivity” or “sexual dependency” implies a scenario where an individual is not capable of managing his/her sexual behavior i.e. it is a behavior where a person has an extraordinary sexual urge, obsession or out of control (Carnes, 1997). Sexual addicts refer to those persons who engage in an escalating and persistent pattern of sexual activities which is acted without paying regard to the negative outcomes to the other persons and to one self (Knauer, 2002). The mind of individuals who are victims of sexual addiction are usually dominated by sexual thoughts and the sex itself hence it becomes difficult for them to engage or work in healthy relationships at a personal level. Sexual addiction is an obsession with sexual release and sexual arousal which oftenly doesn’t need any relationship or even consider who an individual is. Sexual addiction rather than substance addiction such as drugs or alcohol, is a ‘process’ addiction since the euphoric or high feeling results from the chemicals released to the brain as opposed to external source inducement. In the process, the mind gets used the discharge of the particular chemicals and hence looks out for sustained sources of that euphoric or high feeling; which can be gotten from a sexual stimuli, putting oneself in hazardous circumstances, adrenalin dash of struggle or from eating. Sexual addiction can assume several forms such as use of pornography, repetitive sexual behaviors, compulsive masturbation, voyeurism, patronizing prostitutes, sexual exhibitionism, or cybersex. Sexual addiction in its extreme might involve rape, molestation or even murder. The common feature in several forms of sexual addiction is that this behavior is normally done secretly and the victim of sexual addiction normally learns how to successfully hide his/her secret life from his/her closest associates. It is true that sexual addicts engage in a number of sexual activities, both safe and unsafe, and which is done more frequently as opposed to those who are not addicts. The belief that sexual addicts enjoy sex more as compared to other people is not true. In reality, sexual addicts are forced to act out or perform sex (Milkman & Sunderwirth, 1987). A sexual addict is not in a position to comprehend why he/she as to why he or she is acting out sexually, frequently thinking of having sex with a celebrity, being compelled to masturbate etc and change to other areas that might interest them. The sex addicts’ oftenly mistakes their addiction as love but this progressive, intrusive and negative behavior ends up taking away the whole of their self-esteem (McDaniel, 2008). Sexual addiction is least related with real intimacy, instead it involves manipulation, use of power and exploration. The sexual addict does not understand the risks he/she is taking as he or she feels that his/her life is beyond his/her control. To handle her suffering, the addict resorts to addictive behaviors such as drug abuse, eating disorders and alcoholism; in extreme circumstances the addict thinks of committing suicide or punishes him or herself by engaging in degrading sexual activities(Silverman, 2001). According to Carnes (1991), “contrary to viewing sex as a self affirming source of physical pleasure, the addict has learned to rely on sex for comfort from pain, for nurturing or relief from stress” (34). The regular urge for conquest and excitement takes over the sense of being and internal pain of an addict rendering his/her life meaningless. Primarily, the addict might be addicted to a single behavior of sexual addiction, but this will increase and be exhaustive as the addict looks out for fresh sexual thrillers. Every fresh sexual adventure confers meaning to the life of an addict but just for a while. Since this sexual gratification is temporary and must be done now and then with fresh partners whenever routine or boredom in a relationship. Sexual addicts are usually ashamed of their sexual acts especially soon after they engage in these degrading activities but they oftenly deny this shame and living a double life so as to hide their true personality. A sexual addict tends to avoid sexual activities which can enhance his/her arousal level. The progressive nature of sexual addiction makes it more frequent, worse and extreme and eventually out of control. According to Safe Families pornography addiction statistics “10% of adults have admitted internet sexual addiction, 28% of whom are women.” More than 20,000 images of child pornography are posted online every week (national society for the prevention of cruelty to children, 10/8/03) etc Conclusion Based on the above arguments and evidence, we can confidently conclude that sexual addiction is real and not an illusion and that it is one of the common social problems in the modern society. Also we can conclude that sexual addicts do not enjoy sex more as compared to other persons. References Book, P. (1997). Sex & Love Addiction, Treatment & Recovery. New York: Lucerne Publishing. Carnes, P. (1997). Don’t call it Love. Minnesota: Gentle Press. Knauer, S. (2002). Recovering from Sexual Abuse, Addictions & Compulsive Behaviors. New York: Hawoth Press. McDaniel, K. (2008). Ready to heal: women facing love, sex, and relationship addiction. 2nd Ed. Carefree, AZ: Gentle Path Press. Milkman, H., & Sunderwirth, S. (1987). Craving for Ecstasy: The consciousness and chemistry Of Escape. New York: Lexington Books. Silverman, S. (2001). Love Sick. New York: Norton & Company. Read More