“Sexual Dependence” also known as “Sex Addiction” or “Sexual addiction” is a state of uncontrollable desire for sexual activity, sexual thoughts and sexual fantasies, which has a serious negative impact on an individual’s life and relationships. “Sexual Dependence” is treated as a type of addiction because the sexual behaviour is repeated impulsively, making it difficult to control the behaviour.
Characteristics of Sexual Dependence
Compulsive sexual behaviour
Sexual behaviour or thoughts may be compulsive and the individual may feel unable to control the behaviour. This includes a cycle of repetitive sexual behaviour that results in a temporary feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, which is quickly lost and the individual seeks the sexual behaviour again.
Negative impact on life
Many aspects of an individual’s life can be negatively affected by sexual addiction, including work, studies, family life and relationships. For example, a partnership may break up or a job may be lost due to sexual behaviour.
Excessive investment of time and effort in sexual behaviour
Sexual addicts may spend excessive time and effort on sexual behaviour and thoughts. This may include viewing pornography, looking for sexual partners and excessive masturbation.
Tendency to hide sexual behaviour
There is a tendency to try to hide sexual behaviour and urges, which may lead to increased lying and secretive behaviour.
Feelings of guilt or shame
There is often a feeling of guilt or shame about sexual behaviour, which can further amplify stress and create a vicious cycle.
Causes of sexual dependence
The causes of sexual dependence are thought to be a complex combination of psychological, social and biological factors.
Psychological factors
Sexual dependence may result from past trauma (e.g. sexual abuse or loss of intimate relationships). Low self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression may also contribute to sexual dependence.
Biological factors
Some studies suggest that sexual addiction is related to the reward system in the brain. Sexual behaviour causes the release of dopamine in the brain, and the pleasurable sensation may contribute to the formation of dependence.
Social factors
Social pressures on sexuality, media influences and cultural factors that encourage sexual behaviour may contribute to sexual dependence.
Diagnosis and treatment of sexual dependence
Diagnosis of sexual dependence requires professional assessment and is usually carried out by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The diagnosis takes into account the individual’s pattern of sexual behaviour, its impact on their life and their ability to control their impulses.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
cognitive-behavioural therapy is very effective in the treatment of sexual addiction; CBT aims to help people recognise negative thought patterns that cause addiction and learn how to change them.
Psychoanalytic therapy
this focuses on past trauma and depth psychology and aims to explore the underlying causes of the dependency.
Group therapy
Group therapy, where sex addicts get together to support each other and share their experiences, can also be effective. This includes 12-step programmes such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA).
Medication
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with sexual addiction. However, medication is often used as an adjunctive treatment.
Lifestyle modifications
Stress management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensuring social support also play an important role in the treatment of sexual dependence.
Social consequences of sexual dependence and prevention
Sexual dependence can have a negative impact not only on the individual, but also on those around them and on society as a whole. For example, sexual dependence can lead to the breakdown of family relationships and problems in the workplace. It can also lead to legal problems.
Prevention includes education to develop healthy attitudes towards sex, stress management and strengthening social infrastructure to support mental health. It is important to raise awareness of sexual addiction and to get help at an early stage.
Conclusion
Sexual dependence is a complex addiction that can have a serious impact on an individual’s life and requires appropriate treatment and support. It is important that society as a whole understands and supports people suffering from sexual dependence so that they can seek professional help at an early stage and get on the road to recovery.
