Sex Addiction And Childhood Trauma :
We have seen from other articles that I have published on this site that those who have suffered significant and protracted childhood trauma are at higher than average risk of developing an addiction to sex in adulthood (for example, see my post entitled : ‘Childhood Trauma And Its Link To Hypersexuality‘).
Blotting Out Emotional Pain :
One reason why those who have suffered childhood trauma may become addicted to sex is that the act of sex helps them to ‘blot out’, or make themselves feel ‘numb to’, or ‘dissociate’ from unbearable emotional pain connected to their early life experiences (for example, those who have suffered severe childhood trauma may go on to develop borderline personality disorder and a major symptom of this condition is a propensity to develop addictions – including sex addiction).
Related Addictions And Psychological Conditions :
Indeed, because most people who suffer from sex addiction are generally unwilling to discuss their problem with others, the fact that they are suffering from it only becomes apparent when then develop a trusting relationship with a therapist who they initially went to see for help with other addictions such as alcoholism or drug abuse. Alternatively, they may have initially gone to see the their therapist in order to seek treatment for depression, anxiety or low self-esteem (all of which are also more common in those with a history of childhood trauma).
Currently, sexual addiction is regarded as being similar in nature to addiction to chemical substances because the act of sex seems to have a similar ‘numbing’ effect (see above) on feelings of mental anguish (however, it should be noted that, as a discrete condition, ‘sex addiction’ is not yet (at the time of writing) included in the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders.
How Does Sex Addiction Manifest Itself?
Sexual addiction can manifest itself in a number of ways, including :
- Voyeurism
- Exhibitionism
- Fantasies
- Internet Pornography
- Sadomasochism
- Compulsive use of prostitutes
High Sex Drive :
In fact, sexual addiction is NOT the same as simply having a high sex drive (indeed, a high sex drive can be a sign of good psychological health) but involves a compulsive quality that brings about negative results (for the sufferer, those s/he comes into contact with, or both).
Negative Consequences :
Sexual addiction can seriously, adversely impact upon the individual’s quality of life. For example, it may :
- cause financial problems
- result in the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases
- lead to legal problems
- impair relationships
Sex Addiction Therapy :
Once a person suffering from sex addiction recognizes that s/he has a problem which is significantly spoiling his/her quality of life, seeking help from a therapist can be very helpful. Confiding in a trusted, accepting, empathetic therapist can help to reduce feelings of shame related to the addiction and the therapist can provide advice about how to avoid triggers and how to develop healthier and more functional coping mechanisms to deal with negative feelings.
Therapies used to treat sex addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy (the latter may be more appropriate when the problem is clearly related to childhood issues).
RESOURCES :
- Association For The Treatment Of Sexual Addiction And Compulsivity
- How to Overcome Sexual Addiction | Self Hypnosis Downloads
- Stop Sex Obsession Pack | Self Hypnosis Downloads
- Overcome Porn Addiction With Hypnosis | Self Hypnosis Downloads
David Hosier BSc Hons; MSc; PGDE(FAHE).
