Quote:
Originally Posted by TexTushHog
Not a single one of the things you listed qualify as an addiction. Elementals still in compulsive behavior patterns for some people, perhaps. But not an addiction.
The use of the phrase “addiction” in a non-medical context, is common — I’m addicted to chocolate. I’m addicted to watching basketball. And perhaps inthat sense some use of the phrase is understandable in trying to convey a shorthand group of meanings to a casual listener.
In the medical context, use of the phrase “addiction” to a broad array of behavious is very controversial, and generally used either for marketing purposes, or to justify expanded treatment options fir things that have previously been cassifiedby the DSM’s as other conditions. But on balance, the great weight of medical authority is that it makes far, far more sense to look at that Kay people call “sex addiction” as either a very high libido, a high libido with uncontrolled social consequences (and hence a compulsive behavioral disorder), or just a plain old compulsive behavioral disorder.
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While I’m sympathetic to people struggling with sexual issues, Tushy is spot on. Impulse control problems are not the same as addition.
Many things can cause compulsive sexual behavior, including but not limited to, high libido, low impulse control, or a recognized behavioral disorder.
In an addiction, it is important to treat the physical dependency first, then deal with comorbidities. With compulsive sexual behavior, you really need to try to identify and solve the underlying issue. Many times then, the compulsive sexual behavior wanes on its own. That’s one way to know the difference of a compulsion and an addition.
If I get addicted to prescription drugs because I’m in pain or depressed and I am no longer in pain or depressed, then I won’t just wake up and be rid of my addiction to the Rx pain meds. I’ll need help with the dependency.
