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Sex addiction is often referred to as ‘The Silent Epidemic' with conservative research figures estimating approximately 6-8% of adult men, and 2–3% of adult women affected by the condition. Sex addiction may affect more than three million people in Australia, and an estimated 30 million in the USA.

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DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS

Sex addiction is a treatable brain disorder and should not be confused with a moral deficiency or failure. The disorder is not gender specific and occurs in both men and women. Sexual addiction is also described as 'Progressive Intimacy Disorder', where the addict uses sex compulsively with no, or diminished emotional attachments.

When sex addiction goes untreated, it's characterised by escalations of sexual acts, thoughts and cravings, and by the addict's loss of control over their ability to permanently cease or reduce their sexual acting-out behaviours, in spite or their awareness of any negative consequences their behaviour may cause to themselves and others.

Sexual addiction and pornography addiction disorder can be halted if treatment with a sex addiction specialist is taken. Sexual addiction, penetrates deep into our social order, threatening the fundamental values of human sexuality and personal core values. Sex addiction disorder interferes with relationships, marriage and family systems, work-place function, communities, and sometimes the legal system.

Sex addicts are dependent on sex to manage their lives and are reliant on the intense short-term brain rewards derived from sex. The brain rewards occur in the striatum, a part of the brain linked to emotion, motivation and reward. Acting out sex lifts the levels of certain neurotransmitters, namely endorphins, dopamine, noradrenaline, oxytocin, and phenyl-ethyl-amine. These brain chemicals assist in down-regulation of pathologically elevated levels of stress and negative mood states, such as boredom, inactivity, irritability, agitation, confusion, feelings of 'internally falling apart', feeling 'scambled', sadness, depression. There may also be a presence of physical symptoms, such as headaches, bloating, tiredness, muscle pains, and a general sense of malaise.

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AFFIRMOTIVE CAN HELP

Affirmotive specialises in the treatment of sexual addictions and compulsions. If you are concerned that your relationship is affected by sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behaviors, please do not hesitate to contact Heide for clarification or treatment.

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YOU CAN TRUST AFFIRMOTIVE'S EXPERIENCE

Affirmotive is a provider of clinical sex therapy, specialist sex addiction and relapse prevention therapy, professional relationship and marriage counseling, professional coaching and consultancy, clinical supervision to therapists, and is a professional contributor to magazines, newspapers, radio, and TV media since 1998.

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AFFIRMOTIVE IN SYDNEY AND NATIONALLY

IN SYDNEY
Face-to-Face consultations are offered in our Sydney office.

NATIONALLY
Telephone and Skype Face-to-Face consultations are offered nationally anywhere in Australia, and living overseas.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Our sessions are conducted with the highest level of confidentiality, adhering to industry standards and the Australian law. We offer private consultations to individuals and couples over 18 years of age, of any sexual orientation and gender.

For more information about treatment or counseling with Affirmotive, call or send us a message instantly by clicking on the 'Make an Enquiry' button below.

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