Sex Addiction: A Case Study

The Specialization chosen is addiction counseling. This paper will cover the key aspects of addiction counseling which include biological, psychological and physical aspects. As well as medical and social aspects of addiction and counseling. Addiction counseling must adhere to strict ethical codes, and the counselors need to have an understanding of addiction, and have knowledge in the various types of treatment programs. Other key aspects that are important in this specialization are the application to practice, and most important professional readiness. Addiction counseling differs from other specializations because it requires long-term care and treatment, and requires more than one form of treatment within individuals. Treating

In this time period, there are many different disorders and illnesses that go unnoticed, and unknown. Society creates stereotypes about illnesses such as obsessive compulsive disorder, clinical Depression, and many other mental afflictions. Another that seems to remain controversial and misunderstood is sexual compulsive behaviors. Many see it as an excuse to act a certain way, or think a certain way; in reality it is a serious mental disorder that can cause devastating effects on the people that are consumed by them and the people who are around them. Something that is however, known about sexual compulsive behaviors is that there are certain things that can emotionally damage a person and cause them to have these behaviors. The three

Sex addiction is a behavioral addiction that I consider to be a true addiction. According to our textbook, addiction is characterized by the following: compulsion, loss of control, continued use despite adverse consequences, and distortions in normal thinking (p. 359). I think that sexual addiction falls under all of those characteristics. Sex addiction involves compulsion, whether that means having sex with multiple partners or just having sex with one partner excessively, it can be classified as a compulsion because the overwhelming desire to have sex is there and there can be obsessive behavior associated with seeking and obtaining it. Sex addiction involves loss of control because the person that is obsessing about sex may become so enthralled by the notion that they go out and have sex with someone or something that they would not normally do. Sex addicts continue to involve themselves in risky situations even with adverse consequences,

Mark Lasser’s book “Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction” there are 4 major themes being explored, Part One: What is Sexual Addiction? Here Dr. Lasser explains what sexual addiction is, and what the three building blocks of sexual addiction are “Sexual Fantasy, Pornography, and Masturbation”. (Lasser, 2004, pp 28)Lasser expands on the different types of sexual addiction, and give us understanding of the different characteristic of the addiction. Major theme part 2: “The Roots of Sexual Addiction”, here Lassser gives the roots of sexual addiction and explains the reasons

This critical review will attempt to summarize the book “Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction” written by, Dr. Mark R. Laaser. Highlighting all the central themes and giving an in-depth analysis of Dr. Laaser’s work on the subject of sexual addiction. It will give his perspective and evidence to support it from the book and other sources. In this review you will find that

addiction, the so called addiction to sex is often the result of a deeper cause simply blamed on

Addiction is a physical and or a psychological dependence on a mood altering substance or behavior that is continued despite negative consequences. In Gerald G. Mays’ book Addiction & Grace

Addiction is when a person cannot stop abusing a drug or substance, even if they want to quit. The effects from continuing drug use take over the mind and body. Drug addiction is classified as a "relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them" (NIDA 4). Repeated drug use leads to addiction, which then leads to a disease that changes the brain (CDC).

Prior to venturing into the depth of sexual addiction, defining addiction seems like a logical step. Working through various dictionary definitions and real world applications, a working definition of addiction; a repeated and continuos behavior demonstrated despite negative outcomes (Hyman 1994). Behaviors that can also be a result of one or more neurological impairments (Hyman, 1994). Symptoms of addiction include and/or limited or impaired control over substances (in the case of substance addiction) or behavior, preoccupation, worry,

Over time, the addict usually has to increase the addictive behavior to achieve the constant same results. But unlike drugs, alcohol and gambling, those substances or activities have no necessary relationship to human survival. Anybody can go through life without ever sipping a drink or playing a slot machine, but sexual activity is different. Human sexuality is a natural impulse in our biological system and even a necessary habit for human survival. According to the internet article “What is Sexual Addiction” by Michael Herkov, Ph.D. He states that “Although some people are celibate some not by choice, while others choose celibacy for cultural or religious reasons healthy humans have a strong desire for sex. In fact, lack of interest or low interest in sex can indicate a medical problem or psychiatric illness.”(Herkov,

Over the course of the semester, my attitude towards my personal sexual behaviors altered drastically and my scores based of the questionnaire reflected on those changes. One prominent reason to why I believe my scores changed,

Mark Lasser’s book “Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction” there are 4 major themes being explored, Part One: What is Sexual Addiction? Here Dr. Lasser explains what sexual addiction is, and what the three building blocks of sexual addiction are “Sexual Fantasy, Pornography, and Masturbation”. (Lasser, 2004, pp 28)Lasser expands on the different types of sexual addiction, and give us understanding of the different characteristic of the addiction. Major theme part 2: “The Roots of Sexual Addiction”, here Lassser gives the roots of sexual addiction and explains the reasons why it happens, these reasons as listed are Unhealthy Family Dynamics, and Family abuse,

Everyday in America, more people become addicted to sex. According to the National Association of Sexual Addiction Problems, “1 out of 17 people are addicted to sex.” Many people become addicted to it and do not even know it. “Sexual addiction is a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual

Cognitive and Behavioural approaches are also widely used with alcohol and drug using clients. In a meta-analysis of 17 studies Walters, Mortgenstern, & Rotgers (2003) found that behavioural self-control programs (training in drinking rate control, goal setting, identifying high risk situations, alternatives to alcohol use) were more effective than no treatment and at least as effective as abstinence based programs. CBT for substance abuse encompasses a variety of interventions that emphasize different targets. However, this essay will be focus only on motivational intervention and family therapy.

Prior to the death of Mr. Collins father, his consumption of Internet pornography and sexual chatting was not considered remarkable. He appeared to be able to function sexually while masturbating and during sexual intercourse with the partners in his life prior to this life-altering event. Mr. Collins expressed a relatively normal desire for sexual contact as a teenager as well as desire to couple with partners his age in traditional ways, but after the death of his father, what normally produced the arousal necessary to ejaculate while masturbating and having sexual intercourse, no longer appears to have had the desired effect. It is at this time that it appears that the symptoms of depression began to manifest in Mr. Collins life, depressed mood, decreased interest or pleasure, change in sleep, change in activity, and concentration. As these symptoms manifested, it appears that the indicators of Hypersexual Disorder began to develop; excessive masturbation, obsessing about sex to the point that it interfered with his life, spending significant time planning their sexual activity, frequent viewing of pornography or use of sexually explicit websites or other online services including adult chat rooms, frequent one-night stands with strangers, staying emotionally detached from sexual partners, frequently engaging in paraphilias, and inability to stop despite the consequences.