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Biological Causes Of Sex Addiction

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Pleasure is what people describe as the feeling of being happily satisfied. Many people find pleasure in different forms. Though what most people consider to be a large form of pleasure is sex. For some individuals, abnormal sexual behavior can be described as an issue and can eventually lead to hypersexuality in a person, which can increase the chances for addiction. Psychologists also, often describe hyper sexuality and sex addiction as compulsive sexual behavior, which is a disorder where and individual experiences high amounts of sexual urges or activity, fantasies, and other uncommon behaviors sexually. (Hyde & DeLamater. 2014) The causes vary from person to person. There are many types of sexual addictions that create obstacles for growth …show more content…

There are a variety of causes of sex addiction, whether it is biological, psychological, or social. In addict’s genes they could be susceptible to impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, depression, or anxiety. Hormones can be a driving factor to cause sex addiction. High levels of testosterone and estrogen can increase the libido. Environmental elements from early-childhood, like abuse or exposure to sexual activity or sexual content. Sex addictions are often caused by someone’s state or mind, or mental health. Anxiety, depression disorders of the personality, and lack of impulse control. Also, people who suffer from bipolar disorder tend to take part in excessive and precarious sexual behaviors while having their “manic” episodes. Rejection from past relationships can cause unhealthy ways to satisfy oneself sexually. Social isolation can increase the chances of a person finding unusual ways to sexually please themselves. Lastly, sex addiction can be caused by learned behavior. Children and adolescents watch and learn from others; mainly their parents. If a parent or close group of friends frequently views pornography or shows an excessive interest in certain sexual activities, then they can learn the unhealthy behavior and can lead to a possible addiction. (Sex addiction symptoms. …show more content…

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.

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