The Real Sex Addiction Essay

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,

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

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,

Addictions are no strangers to our society. We see or hear of drug and alcohol addictions daily. Yet the term addiction although often used, it is very loosely defined. Most psychologists are aware that the term addiction is not even found in the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Patrick Carnes a sexual addiction expert argues yes, sexual addiction is possible, whereas, Lawrence and Richard Siegel claim nonexistence of sexual addiction just sexual dysfunctions (Slife, 2013).

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 Dr. Laaser has added valuable insight to the subject on a personal level. It will also show how Dr. Laaser’s faith comes into play, being that the book is written from a Christian point of view using a Biblical worldview. This review will show that the book can and should be used by lay and professionals alike when dealing with those who suffer from the pain and sin of sexual addiction.

Hypersexual disorder (HD) has been associated with many labels, although research has not established clear etiologies. Data has suggested that HD is related to substance addictions. However, links have been made between HD and other sexual disorders, meaning HD might best be categorized as a sexual disorder. Sex is instinctive and fundamental to the reproduction of species. HD is an addiction and can have many effects on your otherwise normal sexual behavior. As a result, HD hinders your control over your sex drive, rendering your emotions powerless. It soon evolves into an addiction in which you can't escape. Hypersexual behavior joined with risks may lead to functional impairment. Therefore, people with this disorder who have a need to masturbate

My name is Jimmy Baker and I am addicted to pornography. Some consider sex addiction to be an excuse for inappropriate behavior, which from the viewpoint of an outsider is a reasonable misconception. However, these outsiders are unable to comprehend the incessant craving for sexual activities. A sex addict has often been defined as ‘a person who is obsessed with some type of sexual behavior, and whose behavior is compulsive and is continued despite significant adverse consequences’(@).(Question 1) Day to day life as a sex addict consists of activities that are common to most middle aged men of this era like watching football on Sundays or taking my dog for a walk with the exception of sex dominating your waking thoughts.(Question 7)

Hyper sexuality, sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction, and even out-of-control sexual behavior, are all terms that relate to the same thing: hyper sexuality disorder. Hyper sexuality disorder is one in which a person experiences extremely frequent or suddenly increased sexual urges or sexual activity. Influenced by both physiological and psychological impulses, hyper sexuality leads to emotional and physical distress. The sexualized nature of the American culture combined with the overwhelming amount of online pornography is a major contributing factor to the prevalence of hyper sexuality disorder. Sex is seen everywhere, in advertising, entertainment, pop culture, and daily life, and has become intensely intrusive at a psychological level within people. Because of the ever-growing amount of pornography and sex seen throughout our everyday lives, it is no wonder that those that become sex addicts have personal distress resulting in affected function. The saturation of our pornified culture contributes to the development of a hyper sexuality disorder, which affects behavior, cognitive processes, and lifestyle.

Furthermore, a great deal of sex addicts deal with self-esteem issues. The self-esteem issue drives him or her to sexual behaviors to begin fulfillment to meet the hurts and pain for life. Sex addicts use sexual behaviors to escape depression and to avoid dealing with unbearable situations (Celebrate Recovery, 2006).

I do not think that our society should find a way to remove sexual desire from people. The way our society is now is great, why should we change it. I believe that sexual desire is natural and shouldn’t be eliminated. Yes there are real issues it would get rid of, for instance, rape, unwanted pregnancy, pornography, STDs especially. I know some religions don’t agree with some things like masterbation but I personally don’t think it is bad. I don’t think that humans should find a way to get rid of sexual

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,

CBT in compulsive sexual behaviors obtains treatment with substance use for the disorder, and as well as focus on identifying triggers that cause these certain sexual behaviors for individuals. It happens to speak on cognitive distortions that play a part in sexual behaviors. This article contains data and studies that helps figure out sexual addiction. The Understanding and Managing Compulsive Sexual Behaviors article happens to revolve around psychological and sociological perspectives to comprehend one obstacle and that is sexual addiction. The article invests solely on clinical features of the commodity that is sexual behavior, but also on the psychological and pharmacological treatment that intertwines with sexual addiction. The liking

Most sexual activity is healthy, but there are certain responsibilities and obligations that all of us have. When sex begins to interfere with getting things done at home or at work, then you may have an addiction

Sex addiction is also not in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5. “Gambling disorder” was eventually changed from an impulse control disorder to a behavioral addiction, but sex addiction is considered to be a sexual behavior that goes beyond the normal sexual behaviors in society by many researchers. These researchers claim there is no evidence to support that the term “sex addiction” has any relevance or proof that sex can be an addiction. (Griffiths. 2015.) But, these people are far from right. Sex addiction has similarities to people addicted to drugs. The similarities between the two addictions is that they both effect the brain and rewards the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is released when people satisfy their needs for survival or reproduction. Drugs can stimulate an individual with the release of dopamine; this acts like one of the satisfying needs, causing a person to become addicted. Sex can also, stimulate an individual each time they engage in the unusual or excessive sexual behaviors, causing them to rely on these sexual acts. Dependency is also, a consequence to both addictions which can ruin someone’s life in countless ways. (Sex addiction symptoms.

Before one can begin to understand the complexities of sexual addiction it must be adequately defined. The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.” (Herkov) It is important to note that this means that sexual addiction isn’t just the desire to have sex more than normal but also that the addict engages in activities regardless of and consequences. The addict must also escalate their behaviors over a period of time in order to be considered an addict. This doesn’t mean escalating it to illegal actions but merely increasing the rate at which they engage in the