How Sex Addiction Affects The Brain? Your Brain On Sex…
Why is it that a person with sex addiction can’t stop? What actually happens chemically in the brain that causes a person to continue their sexually problematic behavior despite negative consequences ? There are several considerations that help us understand what is going on in the brain that will be helpful to get a deeper understanding.
Disclaimer: the “knowledge” of what is taking place in the brain when someone engages in compulsive sexual behavior will not keep them away from the behavior. Only an intensive treatment program designed to support a person in early recovery can help. It is important when discussing the function of the brain to realize that in order to overcome addiction one must get the appropriate treatment.
Dopamine 101
Any addiction including sex addiction triggers chemicals and reward centers of the brain. Largely dopamine. Substances such as cocaine produced dopamine by directly providing this chemical, however with “process addiction” such as sex or gambling the dopamine response is triggered by the “experience”. Sex addiction raises dopamine production by 100% creating a highly pleasurable and euphoric experience.
One thing that differentiates sex addiction from other addictions is that the chemical response triggers 20% faster than other addictive behaviors. Giving the individual quick delivery or a quick “hit” providing a more intense experience. The reason this chemical response triggers faster for sexual behavior is that it is tied to the survival instinct. Similar to food the bodies internal need for sex is related to instinct. In other words it’s just part of our makeup. This is why sexually addictive behavior can so easily become addictive. And why it is so difficult to stop.
Dopamine Depletion
Addiction in general is about stimulation. Sex addiction being no exception. It is an intensely pleasurable experience and when it is used compulsively the resulting dopamine rushes cause extensive dopamine depletion after the experience is over. The brain seeks balance and when a person over stimulates dopamine the dopamine receptors shut down and stop production. The result is that the individual needs more and more stimulation to “feel normal” and even more to feel the same sense of “pleasure”. Over time their behavior progresses in intensity in order to produce the chemicals needed just to feel normal. All of this creates the destructive cycle we see with addiction. And makes it nearly impossible for the person to stop.
Mental Health Issues That Result In Sex Addiction
After overstimulating the reward centers of the brain and depleting the dopamine receptors, if a person stops or “tries to stop'' the result can be an intense feelings of depression and/or anxiety. Normal activities become less interesting and the person's mood is affected negatively. Many experience restlessness, irritability and discontentedness unless they can normalize again by acting out. Over time the sexually compulsive behavior stops being a luxury and becomes a necessity. The person needs it just to feel normal.
Recovery from dopamine depletion takes time. Time for the brain to come back into balance. In order to get through the early stages of brain chemistry normalization sex addiction treatment is needed to help the person manage the ups and downs through early recovery. However, when done sex addiction therapy can help return the individual to normal functioning.
Need Help?
If you are struggling with sex addiction and want to consider counseling, please feel free to “contact me” below and we can see if sex addiction therapy is right for you.