STARTLING TRUTHS ABOUT SEX ADDICTION

startling truths about sex addiction

"Dr. Magness: thank you again for spending three days with [my wife] and I. We are talking like we haven’t since we first met, albeit about far more serious issues. You were very hard on me Dr. Magness, but fair and you acted in my best interest (although it was hard for me to see at first), and with the intent to make me see the right path. For that, I am forever indebted. I realize that I have a long journey ahead, but I am confident that I will make it now that I have the knowledge and tools to fight this disease."  DP, Texas
1
Sex addiction is not about sex! I guess the more appropriate way to say this is to say that it is not primarily about sex.
2
Sex addiction is not about orgasm. After an orgasm, men have a much lower interest in sex.
3
Sex addiction is about generating one’s own neurochemistry. When sex addicts begin even to consider acting out, various neurotransmitters (chemicals) are released that produce a “high” much like the euphoria that drug addicts experience when they take their drug of choice.
Sex addicts, in effect, carry their drug with them and are able to “get a hit” whenever they want it, even if they confine their acting out to fantasy only. The release of these chemicals resulting from any compulsive sexual behavior is so highly addictive that some people feel they must continue to repeat the behavior in order to get their next high.

In other words, sex addicts are drug addicts. They are able to initiate their own neurochemical response. As the hunt or cruising begins, the pulse quickens, the palms sweat, the pupils dilate. This is often referred to as being "in the bubble" or in a trance. For the male sex addict, there may not be an erection for a long while; perhaps up to several hours. But he is still getting his high from a release of various neurotransmitters including GABA, glutamate, opioid peptides, dopamine, and serotonin.
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