Sexual addiction could impact social relationships, and in particular the marital relationship which risks being destabilized; because of the incessant desire and non-equivalent demands between the two partners. Also because of the risk of adultery when the person seeks new experiences to satisfy their compulsive needs for sexual activity and reach new, even higher levels of pleasure, thus eroding intimacy and trust in the couple.
This addiction could alter normal and healthy relationships with the sexual partner, family, friends and work colleagues, because of fantasies, and/or certain inappropriate behaviors. In addition, constant preoccupation with sexual behavior would lead to neglect of family responsibilities and social and professional obligations.
You should know that sex addiction creates negative feelings. The person suffering from it very often feels intense shame and guilt, in addition, sadness and loneliness because of their inability to control their sexual urges and behaviors. The constant feelings of shame and remorse could lead to severe depression and anxiety. This further accentuates the compulsion and forces the person into sexual activity as a (dysfunctional) coping mechanism to deal with the psychological distress experienced.
When carnal desire becomes an obsession
All of this creates a vicious circle and a continuous cycle of compulsive sexual behavior that has a profound impact on mental health: Guilt, mood disorders, lower self-esteem, depression, anxiety, development of other addictions, etc.
What about the physical and physiological effects?
One of the major health risks remains sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Excessive repetition of sexual behaviors could lead to physical fatigue and a reduction in bodily capabilities as well as potential injuries related to sexual activities. In the long term, the physical burden of such a level of sexual activity could lead to a significant deterioration in general health.
Constant stimulation of the dopamine system could alter hormonal regulation and brain circuits associated with pleasure. We can cite other impacts linked to the inability to control one’s sexual urges and which could cause financial difficulties and legal problems while increasing the pressure and fear of being “outed” and caught in a derogatory situation. Constant preoccupation with sexual thoughts and activities interferes with an individual’s ability to perform well in the various areas of their life (work, studies, etc.). This distraction leads to lower productivity, poor performance, and in some cases, job loss or academic failure.
-In Morocco, can we quantify the incidence of this addiction?
Unfortunately, in Morocco, we suffer from a significant lack of data on mental health, even more so when it comes to a disorder relating to sexuality whose issues are still taboo.
How is this disorder treated?
Sexual addiction often requires multidisciplinary care. Firstly, you should consult a psychologist specializing in behavioral addictions. In some cases it would be necessary to also consult a psychiatrist who could prescribe drug treatment to regulate mood, reduce compulsions and calm anxiety, or treat depression, to facilitate the patient’s engagement in psychotherapy and treatment. help you find a more serene life.
Unlike other addictions, the psychotherapeutic objective in sexual addiction would not be to lead the patient to withdrawal, because sexuality is an integral and important part of our life, and it does not represent any danger when it is practiced in a way that does not affect the health, relationships and well-being of the individual, and therefore is non-pathological. The therapeutic work will aim to help the patient to rethink sexuality differently and consider its practice by regaining control over their impulses and behaviors, and by treating the problems underlying addiction.
Sometimes, couples therapy could be considered to provide support to the partner and avoid repercussions on the couple. Group therapies could also provide great support to people suffering from sexual addiction: by offering a secure space to release their suffering through talking, and by breaking the isolation from which they might suffer.
