Sex addiction is similar to cocaine addiction - we can better understand the neurochemistry that is producing the cravings.
When large amounts of stimulant drugs are ingested, the brain is taxed beyond its capacity to absorb the chemicals at its receptor sites, so the body produces more. Now when more chemicals are ingested, the addict will have more tolerance and need more drugs.
When there are periods when no drugs are available, the abundant unused receptors start clamoring to be filled and craving results.
Cocaine usually makes the user feel euphoric, energetic, talkative, and mentally alert, especially to the sensations of sight, sound, and touch. It can also temporarily decrease the need for food and sleep. Some users find that the drug helps them to perform simple physical and intellectual tasks more quickly, while others can experience the opposite effect.
The typical withdrawal syndromes of opiate or cocaine addicts and of sexual addicts are extremely similar and follow the patterns mentioned above.
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Cocaine addicts often relapse because they are overwhelmed by a powerful sense of craving. The physiological craving of cocaine is far more powerful than the physiological craving of alcohol or other drugs.
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