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Sexual Addiction
Some of the subjects begin by gaining an addiction to masturbation
or pornography, Multiple or anonymous sexual partners
and/or one-night stands and then their sexual behavior cannot be considered a normal one; they have an unusually intense sex
drive or a sex obsession. Still, regarding the freedom of our times and knowing the fact that numerous behaviors were,
in the past, considered symptoms of some diseases and now they are considered normal and allowed, a fair question arises:
"what is an abnormal sexual behavior?".
"Abnormal" is an adjective which should mean something that breaks the rules, but in this case we will see as "abnormal"
those behaviors which are harmful for the person that is exercising them. The addict understands that he has an issue, but
feels he does not have control over his sexual options.
Sex becomes the number one priority, the addict puts aside family, relationships, work. Most times he comes from a family where
at least someone has an addiction, whether it is a drug, alcohol or food related one. Moreover, the addict was most likely abused
in childhood. Nevertheless, we must not imagine that only people from the lower blanket of society are affected. On the contrary,
the painting is a very colorful one, including people from politics or unqualified workers.
Sexual addiction
takes numerous forms and shapes, and the person affected can be addicted to masturbation, pornography, exhibitionism
(exposing oneself in public), prostitution, straight or homosexual sexual relations etc. He can become a pedophile or a rapist,
but sometimes even normal considered sexual relations can be taken to the edge by them. However, it should be noted that sex addicts
do not necessarily become sex offenders.
Most often, sexual addicts feel they cannot control their own lives, they lose their self respect and can commit criminal acts.
Sexual addiction is very similar to other forms of addiction. Although they are aware of the fact that what they do is harmful for them,
they simply cannot resist the temptation. The addiction gradually gets bigger and bigger, just like other types of addiction.
In the beginning those affected might be able to control themselves occasionally, then they lose control and they need peculiar sexual
experiences to get more boost. Sex addicts want more and more, like drug addicts, for instance.
They go from fling to fling, often forgetting the consequences, sacrificing their health in the name of a bigger boost.
They can sacrifice their romantic relationships, family or friendship bonds because of their addiction. They often suffer from depressions
and try to commit suicide, thinking they are in a no-way-out situation.
Although these cases are isolated, the phenomenon affects between 3 and 6 percents of the world's population. Because of the shame,
or because they deny they have an issue and they blame others for their problems, there are few those who actually seek help.
Treatment includes education about healthy sexuality
, individual counseling, marital family therapy, support groups and 12 step
recovery programs, medications.
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