Friday, May 30, 2014

There IS such a thing as sexual addiction. Those who don't agree are simply ignorant.

(NOTE: the term sexual addiction is an all encompassing term for any addiction of sexual nature. Including but not limited to: Sex, pornography, masturbation, voyeurism, exhibitionism, beastiality, phone sex, Skype sex, prostitution, and many others.)

Consider the following:

"Addiction has been a divisive term when applied to various compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs), including obsessive use of pornography. Despite a growing acceptance of the existence of natural or process addictions based on an increased understanding of the function of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward systems, there has been a reticence to label CSBs as potentially addictive. While pathological gambling (PG) and obesity have received greater attention in functional and behavioral studies, evidence increasingly supports the description of CSBs as an addiction. This evidence is multifaceted and is based on an evolving understanding of the role of the neuronal receptor in addiction-related neuroplasticity, supported by the historical behavioral perspective. This addictive effect may be amplified by the accelerated novelty and the ‘supranormal stimulus’ (a phrase coined by Nikolaas Tinbergen) factor afforded by Internet pornography." - Donald L. Hilton Jr., MD 
Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, USA


Sexual addiction is as real as any other addiction. In fact it is arguably more addicting than most narcotics except probably for drugs with the addictive caliber of Heroin. I have heard multiple addicts share in 12 step meetings that they were able to quite drugs on their own, but they just cannot for the life of them stop their sexual addiction on their own. They say they need additional help from the 12 steps and from God- which is the core of Alcoholics Anonymous and all the other 12 step programs.

The knowledge of sex being an addiction has been known for many many years. But knowledge of it isn't as commonplace as it is about drug and alcohol addiction. However, the knowledge of sexual addiction is growing rapidly. Sexaholics anonymous started back in the 80's. There are several other Sexual Addiction 12 step recovery programs as well.

There are sexual rehab addictions throughout the United States. Believe me, I researched them and ended up going to one myself.

But most importantly I know that sexual addiction is the real deal because I live it. I cannot even begin to explain it. Only other addicts, regardless of the addiction, would understand. I have even paid over 40,000 dollars to go to rehab(which helped me to discover so many things and change in SO many ways, but unfortunately fell back to old habits and patterns once i went back to school).

I don't know how to describe it…acting out sexually through pornography, masturbation, phone sex etc. despite always feeling depressed afterwards. Despite going to meetings for the purpose of helping me not to do those things, despite hurting those I love, and despite other life obligations like school. Staying up all night until 6am scrolling through TV channels trying to find sexual content suitable to satisfy my lust. Then sleeping in and missing class when I should be studying for a test I need to take tomorrow…

Its like every day I jump into a pool of sharks(for the rush) despite knowing I will lose a limb like I always do every time I jump into the pool. Who in there right mind would jump into a pool of sharks knowing they will lose their other arm or leg, as they have previously??? I ask you who in their right mind would do such a thing?
NO ONE. No one IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would. And that is EXACTLY the problem. Step 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous states, "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." Addiction is insanity. What people do to get their "fix" regardless of the consequences is the definition of insanity. I am currently living it, and my life is completely unmanageable.

So the next time you hear someone say that Sexual addiction isn't real, or that pornography isn't addicting, send them my way. I'd gladly give them my addiction to educate them.

Links:

  1. Sexaholics Anonymous
  2. Sexhelp.com (Website of Patrick Carnes who is considered the leading expert in sexual addiction)
  3. Overcomingpornography.org (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints webpage for helping those with sexual addiction)
  4. "He Restoreth My Soul-a guide to overcoming the chemical and spiritual bonds of pornography addiction by Neurosurgeon Donald L. Hilton Jr.







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