The argument that sex addiction really exists, rose when Tiger Woods accepted to have relation with many mistresses. He has been labeled as a sex addict. But is sex addiction really exists or we just relate it to a man who indulges in extramarital affairs.
Tiger Woods, who has been photographed at an addiction clinic in Mississippi, intensified the argument. Is this term sex addiction is any disorder or wealthy people like Woods use it to shield themselves from criticism. The answer can be derived through Science.
Psychologist, Dr. Alan Grieco said, "I am cautious and a little leery of the term sex addiction."
Professor Ginger Manley who is a certified sex therapist at Vanderbilt University said, "In the field of psychiatry, there’s not a clear agreement about whether or not it’s even a diagnosis."
The cases of sex addiction are very few and person with such problems do not come forward until their life gets ruined (like Woods). According to the experts, 75 percent to 80 percent of the patients who seek treatment for sex addiction are men. Men are nearly three times more likely to fall into that category of sex addiction than women.
Dr. Alan Grieco said, "In my opinion, monogamy does not come naturally to most men. We can do it, but it’s a struggle. … If an attractive woman throws herself at a guy and he thinks he can get away with it, he will – married or not – have sex."
Dr,Grieco also says that athletes and rich people are tempted by women, as doctors are surrounded by and tempted by prescription drugs. “These opportunities challenge our human frailties. We're all weak; some of us have stronger boundaries. But for younger males, who have high levels of success and opportunity, it's a gauntlet out there."
According to the research, hormone testosterone which is responsible for sexual activities is linked with success and failure. Men who are told they're great have higher testosterone levels than men who’ve been chewed out by the boss.
Dr. Grieco said, "That’s not to say that a man can’t say no. Testosterone doesn’t make anybody do anything. But it primes the pump. It’s a heady mixture of hormones and success."
But what is the difference between Sex addiction and healthy sexual appetite? When sex becomes addiction is based, in part, on how much time you spend on sex and fantasies. The current definition of sexual addiction comes from Patrick Carnes, the therapist whose staff is reportedly treating Woods. Dr. Patrick Carnes directs the sexual-addiction program at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg. He is recognized as a pioneer in treating sexual addiction. He defines the addiction based in part on the time someone spends on sex.
Dr. Grieco says, "If you’re spending over 14 hours a week – or two hours a day – doing something sexual or quasi-sexual, like cruising the Internet for porn or cruising the streets looking for a particular type of prostitute, you’re in the addictive range."
Treatment of sexual addiction relies heavily on 12-step programs, much like Alcoholics.
Dr. Manley said, "It takes enormous courage to walk into a meeting of complete strangers and say, ‘Hello, my name is John Doe, and I’m a sex addict. It's not as hard for drug and alcohol addiction, because there have been so many people who have been through it. Sex addiction is about the most shameful of all the addictions.”
In addition to 12-step programs, some therapists treat patients with talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and even antidepressants, which blunt the sex drive.
According to sex therapist Toni Furbringer regardless of the type of treatment, sex addicts – like other addicts – frequently relapse. The problem is that they can never escape those salacious mental images they’ve created – whether it’s pornography or experiences with another person.
She said unfortunately you can not escape from yourself as “You cannot get those images out of your mind. And that's one of the things the sex addicts. I work with say: "It's there all the time. Even if I control my behavior, I have to constantly watch my thoughts."
So, is this the fate of Sex addict that they can not overcome this addiction? But there is always a ray of hope, keep the faith and control the thoughts constantly, this is the only way to get rid of this evil.