Falling into Sexual Addiction

Prospernow | Jun 30, 2010 |

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Sexual dependency or sexual compulsion can be triggered by different factors. This type of behavior cannot be ascribed to a single cause due to the complexity of the subject of sexual compulsive behavior. The behavior of Porn and sexual addiction can more than likely be a result of traumas such as early exposure to sexual behavior, inappropriate sexual material and experiences that were considered traumatic while a child. Other activities such as abandonment, emotional trauma and sexual /physical abuse can also be a factor.

Sexual addiction can also be classified into three categories: Psychological, spiritual and biological.

Studies show that sexual addiction may be triggered by a biochemical imbalance in the brain of a person. This imbalance in the brain may affect the reward and pleasure pathways and trigger sexual addiction. In the brain's reward and survival system, abused drugs, food and sexual interest are known pathways. With a biological sex addict, the brain may have been conditioned to accept that having sex is alright in the same manner that food is good when hungry. Within the brain, opioids and dopamine are activated during sex. These natural chemical releases produce euphoria and intense pleasure that helps to enforce addiction. Drugs such as dopamine replacement therapy and apomorphine may be culprits of causing hyper sexuality. This type of therapy drives even intelligent and competent people to an obsession of participating in sexual fantasy and looking for a "fix" sexually.

When looking at the psychological category, Porn or sexual addiction is a means of escape from abuse emotionally, sexually and physically. Research shows that most sex addicts contribute their addiction to psychological causes. Some studies show that a majority of sex addicts may be from families that are dysfunctional. Further studies show that approximately 72 percent of addicts were abused physically as a child and 81 percent were sexually abused. The study finally revealed 97 percent that were abused emotionally and possibly due to their emotional needs being neglected.