5 Factors That Can Induce Sexual Addiction And How To Stop Sexual Addiction [Full Details]

Sex addiction refers to excessive sexual thoughts, desires, urges or behaviors that can’t be controlled and cause distress and harm to your relationships, finances and other aspects of your life.

Sexual addiction is also called hypersexuality, compulsive sexual behavior and other names. Treatments include medications, psychotherapy and self-help support groups.

Hence, according to Wikipedia,

Sexual addiction, also known as sex addiction, is a state characterized by compulsive participation or engagement in sexual activity, particularly sexual intercourse, despite negative consequences.

The Question that might be running through your mind could be, "Is a sex addiction similar to other addictions?"

Let's start by answering this question.

Yes. The “addiction feeling” is what makes it similar. The craving for sex is similar to cravings felt for alcohol or drugs by those who have addictions to these substances. It’s an overwhelming compulsion or temptation that’s so strong you feel that you have to have it. It’s an out-of-control feeling, never feeling satisfied feeling or a constant battle to take control of something that’s on autopilot. You return to the behavior — over and over again — despite the negative consequences.
How common is sexual addiction and who is most affected?

Hypersexuality appears to affect about 3% to 10% of the general U.S. population. It’s more common in men than women. For every two to five males with hypersexuality, one woman is affected. Sexual addiction begins, on average, at 18 years of age. Most individuals don’t reach out for professional help until age 37.

Many individuals (88%) have a history of other mental health conditions, too, including:Mood disorders, including 

1. Bipolar disorder.
2. Anxiety disorders.
3. History of suicide attempts.
4. Personality disorders.
5. Other addictive disorders.
6. Impulse control disorders.
7. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
8. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Factors That Can Induce Sexual Addiction;

Studies have shown that several factors can induce this addiction. Some of them include;

• . An unevenness of the chemicals that control your mood in your brain. Research has shown that an elevated level or overactivity of certain chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin) might lead to a heightened desire and behaviour towards intercourse.

• . Abuse of certain substances such as cocaine and amphetamine use and alcohol can all cause.

• . Negative consequences of medication can also cause this condition. A common example is a medication used for Parkinson’s disease.

• . Ailments that distort or harm certain parts of your brain that regulate the desire for intercourse. Studies have shown that ailments such as dementia, epilepsy, bipolar disorder and damage to your frontal lobe, amygdala or prefrontal cortex areas of your brain may also induce addiction to intercourse.

• . Distorted brain function that generates new nerve pathways of addictive behaviour can also contribute to addiction toward intercourse.

How to Overcome Sexual Addiction


1. Determine whether you have an addiction.

A sex addiction is not the same as having a vigorous sex drive. You might have a sexual addiction if you exhibit persistent, escalating patterns of sexual behavior despite increasing negative consequences for yourself and others. The high that you feel from sex occupies your mind constantly. You always are looking for your next chance to feel that pleasure. 

Examples include persons who spend half their income on prostitutes or business people who watch pornography at work despite warnings that they will lose their jobs. 

This preoccupation with sex leaves less room in your life for healthy relationships and other interests.

2. Get rid of your triggers

If you continuously surround yourself with items that remind you about sex, it may be impossible to make progress in your treatment for sex addiction. Dispose or recycle your porn magazines, videos, pictures, and everything that may pose a temptation to you.

Furthermore, you should delete porn from your devices and clear your browser history of sites you visited in the past. You should also consider installing software that blocks pornography websites.

3. Get a support system

Your close friends and family can be of massive help to you when you finally decide to seek help on how to overcome sex addiction. As you pull away from your addictive behaviours, you should move closer to your loved ones.

Your partner, best friend and family members, can support you when the going gets tough. More importantly, investing in the people around you will reduce the need to use sex as an escape mechanism.

4. Engage in Religious Activities

If you are a Christian, I will advice you pray frequently. It works trust me.

5. Change your circle of friends and associates

If the people around you are people who can cause you to suffer a relapse into your old ways, it may be best to seek new friends. For instance, your friends may want to visit sex shops or red-light districts. Instead, ask them to go elsewhere with you. If this does not work, it is best you stop hanging out with them.

Conclusion;

Finally, there is no substitute for the treatment you can get from an expert in sex addiction. Encouraging you to seek advice from a sex addiction specialist is probably one of the most vital tips for sex addiction treatment.