Addictive or compulsive behavior is a response to pain.
The sex addict uses sex as a quick fix, or as a form of medication for anxiety, pain, loneliness, stress, or sleep.
Sex addicts often refer to sex as their "pain reliever" or "tension reliever".
In any addictive process, the stimulus that triggers the addictive cycle may be loneliness, physical pain, low self-esteem, guilt, shame, depression, physical or sexual abuse, or other emotional, social, or physical deprivation.
Each individual finds some way to relieve the pain (physical or emotional). There are varying degrees of tolerance of and sensitivity to pain. The addict appears to have higher sensitivity and lower pain tolerance.
Sex addicts early on, probably even before puberty, find there are ways in which they can reduce anxiety and tension, and enable themselves to feel more comfortable.
Sex addicts will find what is going to make them feel better or, more correctly, less bad. They put on the "bandage" that they believe they need.
The "bandage" or self-medication may be masturbation, viewing pornography, voyeurism and/or exhibitionism, or whatever sexual acting out they have found gives an aroused, euphoric state.
In sexual addiction, as in gambling, excessive spending, or other compulsive activity - individuals find that "bandage" which helps them feel better or at least not so bad. …the reward systems malfunction and the individual turns to a psychoactive substance or behavior for a relief.
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