PrimeTime Magazine PrimeTime Winter 2017 | Page 26

Sex Addiction Christina Campbell, MSW, RSW, Sexologist What is sex addiction? In the past sex addiction has been defined as a compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality, excessive sexuality, or problematic sexual behavior, characterized by repetitive and intense preoccupations with sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviors that are distressing to the individual and/or result in psychosocial impairment. Sexually addicted individuals go through a vicious cycle of giving into the activity, feeling guilt and remorse, promising to change, and then to give in to the craving all over again in spite of the risks and potential consequences. It is just the same as with any other type of addiction where over time, the addict usually intensifies the addictive behavior to achieve the same results. Among some of the possible causes mentioned by researchers are biochemical imbalances, family dysfunction, medical conditions, genetic, abuse during childhood, co-occurring psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and hormone unbalance just to mention a few. Generally the individual recognize that they have a problem with their sexual behaviour, but many times don’t seek help on their own. More often than not, they are forced into getting help by a court, or when the threat of divorce or some other loss is imminent. They have told themselves repeatedly that they will stop, but it seems difficult to accomplish. In regard to treatment to change the problematic sexual behaviour, basic approaches that have proven to be effective in the treatment of substance abuse disorders has been employed in sexual addiction treatment. It is a combination of individual and group therapy/support and sometimes it includes medical treatment. It is important to recognize that every sex addict’s path to recovery and a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life will be different. One of the main sources: https://psychcentral.com/ lib/what-is-sexual-addiction/ Christina Campbell, MSW, RSW, [email protected] • Serving all Faiths in the Greater Moncton area • Specializing in Traditional Services • Personalized Cremation Services • Prearranged funerals with Licensed Funeral Directors • Reception Facilities • Monuments Directors: Wendell Ferguson, Ian Ferguson Calvin Muise, Andrew Jackson 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton, NB • 858-1995 • www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com • [email protected] Your peace of mind is our main concern 26 PrimeTime WINTER/HIVER 2017