Green | December 23, 2008 | 2 comments

Does sex addiction have any basis in science?

source: http://www.alternet.org/sex/114024/does_sex_addiction_have_any_basis_in_science/

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goldenways
Things used to be pretty straightforward: You were involved in a stable and fulfilling long-term relationship, but nevertheless the temptations were many and practicing strict monogamy proved way too hard. Eventually, you were caught and you had to decide whether to call it quits or to go back to your partner, admit your full responsibility, beg for forgiveness, and promise that it was never going to happen again. Nowadays, however, there may be a third option: You can claim that you are a victim of sexual addiction, simply unable to manage your sexual urges despite what you know is best for you.

This term has been steadily gaining recognition among the public, helped by several high profile cases of celebrities who checked themselves into "sex addiction rehab" after their infidelities were made public. Self-help groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous and Sexaholics Anonymous have sprung up in the last few decades, following the 12-step system first made popular by Alcoholics Anonymous. There is even a proliferation of fictional characters from recent movies, novels, and TV series who are described as sex addicts and regularly attend meetings organized by these kinds of groups. The proponents of the concept routinely argue that sexual addiction and substance addiction are analogous syndromes, with both of them rendering the individual a slave to a particular source of gratification at the expense of everything else in his/her life. But is there strong scientific evidence supporting a common physiological basis between these versions of compulsive behavior?

The answer depends strongly in the definition of "addiction" that we choose to adopt, and this is by no means a trivial matter.
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2 comments // Does sex addiction have any basis in science?

  • mhembree09
    • 0
      mhembree09  

    • sexuality is such an integral part of our existence, and is never given enough consideration.
      sexual addiction is like drug addiction in that the desire for sex is often masking a desire for something else.
      however, sexual addiction isn't to be treated like drug addiction since sexual desire is one of our most basic instincts.
      some are making excuses, but some people really have a problem.
      counseling for everyone!

    • 3 years ago
  • MavericktheMaverick
    • 0
      MavericktheMaverick  

    • Geez is it bad that most of america is addicted to sex????well I know this much once it starts in highschool it will probably never end till you are in some nursing home all alone but you won't be able to remember anything so.... Sex=America

    • 3 years ago
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