The Gnostic Gospels
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Sexual addiction has only been recognized as a valid addiction within the last couple of decades. Even today there remains a degree of scepticism regarding the status of section addiction as a true addiction. When looking at the diagnosis of addictions DSM-IV can be used to diagnose a range of addictions, not only limited to those with direct physiological influences such as drugs and alcohol, but also addictive behaviour patterns. Just as a behaviour pattern of compulsive gambling may be an addiction, so may compulsive sexual behaviour. It is estimated that in the United States between 3% and 6% of the population are affected by sexual addiction (Schneider, 2005).
For sexual addicts to be treated it is important that the condition itself is understood. In defining sexual addiction it is a condition where “sexual behavior is compulsive and continued despite serious adverse consequences” (Schneider, 2005). The sufferer is likely to sexualise other people and circumstances perceiving sexual undertones in everyday situations or comments. They are likely to use a high level of resources, both time and/o money, pursuing the object of their addiction; a вЂ?quick fix’ (Schneider, 2005). The behaviour patterns can also become part of addictive cycle. When diagnosing a sex addict it is also important to consider the context of their behaviour; what is healthy behaviour for one person may be unhealthy for another. A parallel with alcoholism may also be useful, the way one individual used alcohol may have no adverse consequences, but the same use in another individual may have severe consequences (Schneider, 2005, Green et al, 2004).
Those who suffer from a section addiction describe a high, or a euphoria, associated with sexual behaviour in a similar way to the euphoria or high that is achieved by drug addicts when taking the relevant drugs (Schneider, 2005). In drug addicts the euphoria State is produced by the drugs, with section addiction Milkman and Sunderwirth (1987) have hypothesised that the effect is the result of endorphins and other internal endogenous brain chemicals which are released as a part of sexual activity.
The reason Milkman and Sunderwirth have categorised sexual addiction as being an arousal addiction as the influence on the brain similar to other arousal addictions which include the use of amphetamines and cocaine as well is compulsive gambling; these types of addiction have an arousal effect in on the brain and induce risk-taking behaviour. This can be compared to satiation addictions which include addictions to hypnotic or sedative drugs, alcohol and food which have the opposite effect on the brain (Milkman and Sunderwirth, 1987).
In line with all other addictions sexual addicts will attempt to rationalise and defend their behaviour in order to justify why they are behaving in such a way such will have backed by distorted thinking. Where the behaviour results in problems for adverts outcomes there will often an attempt to shift the blame; with their addicts seeking to blame others for the problem or making excuses (Schneider, 1991). In addition to this the usual behaviour pattern will be for the sexual addict to initially deny they have a problem (Schneider, 1991).
Carnes (1991), as classified section addiction into 10 different categories, these are listed in appendix 1. However, this is not a fully inclusive list with the way that the categories are interpreted also needing to be placed in a broader context. Diagnosis should be based on the behaviour patterns and the addiction models as seen in DSM-IV can be useful. There do appear to be gender differences in sexual addiction with men addictions tending to be those which objectify their partners with little emotional involvement; activities including anonymous sex, exploitative sex, voyeurism and paying for sex (Schneider, 1991, Carnes, 1991). Conversely, women, who make up about a third of all sex addicts tend towards excesses which distort power; such as being a victim and suffering pain or gaining power which is present within fantasy sex (Schneider, 1991, Carnes, 1991). In DSM-IV terms the behaviours of sex addicts may be categorised into one of three classification is paraphilia, impulse control disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) or sexual disorder NOS (Schneider, 1991).
A new form of section addiction also appears to be emerging; that of cybersex, which can be even more difficult to diagnose due to the context in which it takes place and the way in which sexual activity over this medium is categorised (Cooper et al, 2000).
Understanding what is meant by section addiction and then lead on to the treatment of the condition. There are a number of approaches which may be adopted by a counsellor; two of which are the narrative therapy approach and the existential therapy approach. These approaches may be seen as very different; one externalising is problem or the other internalises a problem.
The narrative approach to therapy puts forward the idea that everyone will have stories about their lives, some stories are more dominant than others. Some of the dominant stories may not be helpful, especially where they are “problem saturated” (Matthews, 2004). Where this is the case living out the stories results in difficulties for the individual.
The narrative therapist will help the sufferer replace the dominant problem story with one that is more useful (Matthews, 2004). In order to do this the individual needs to be helped to deconstructs the story and then we construct it with a more positive outcome; known as a preferred story (Matthews, 2004). Geldard & Geldard (2001, quoted Matthews, 2004) states that “As the person interprets each life experience, their stories, which grew out of similar past experiences, will be reinforced and thus strengthened … new experiences thicken the person’s stories”. Therefore, the process is to deconstructs the destructive dominant stories and recreate them into preferred stories.
In everyday life individuals will usually choose memories of past experiences which are aligned with the dominant story rather than those which are not consistent with that dominant story. Over time more experienced since chosen and drawn into the dominant storyline, increasing the richness of that story and reinforcing it (Matthews, 2004). It is a process that occurs with both negative and positive stories about the individual. This theory is the basis of which narrative therapy takes place.
In narrative therapy the therapists will not focus on the feelings or emotions of the individual nor will they focus on �fixing the problem’ (Matthews, 2004). The approach will be the exploration of the way the individual has constructed meaning about themselves and the way in