Sex addiction and its relationship with Internet porn may be closely compared to substance addiction and crack cocaine, according to prominent sex addiction expert, Dr. Patrick Carnes. Learn more about what sex addiction is and the effect Internet porn can have on clients of the disorder.
Is Sex Addiction Real? What is Sex Addiction?
Sex addiction is very similar to other forms of addiction, including addiction to substances. Though clients of sex addiction do not consume substances, there is still an addiction to associated chemical imbalances of the brain. The sexual thoughts, behaviors and actions change the mood of the client as they naturally release increased amounts of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine has an active involvement with every type of addiction, including process addictions encompassing sex addictions, shopping addictions and others. Sex addiction also begins to take over the brain with clear anatomical changes, as would other addiction types due to problems with the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, which impacts compulsion, impulse, judgment and other key areas of functioning.
Internet Porn and Sex Addiction
Sex addiction expert Dr. Patrick Carnes explains Internet porn to be the crack cocaine of sex addiction because the Internet has provided a way to access intense information in a moment’s notice. He explains that the human brain was not designed to be able to process the easy and widespread availability of this sort of stimuli.
Learn more about the science of addiction to pornography here.
Sex Addiction Treatment
Sex addiction is just as much of a real danger to clients of addiction as clients of other addictions such as gambling or drugs. The addiction comes before anything and everything else, putting clients at risk emotionally, mentally and physically as well as risking relationships, finances and other important aspects of life.
Psychotherapy is the main treatment method for sex addiction. It helps clients to uncover the personal causes lying beneath the addiction by participating in therapy sessions that include individual therapy sessions, cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, family therapy and others. Over time, clients experience moments of clarity referred to as breakthroughs, which give them deep insights into the self and provide a great basis for recovery from sex addiction.
Clients participate in counseling to learn how to tailor their lifestyles in manners conducive to healthy, recovered living. Relapse prevention strategies are important tools clients create and use daily to avoid harmful triggers such as Internet porn and stress.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
