Mark Hastings, M. S., MFT provides in-person appointments in Pasadena, and online to all residents of California
An addiction is a chronic disorder in which an individual is blinded by a substance, or engages in an activity, that gives them an immense amount of pleasure but has become detrimental to their everyday life.
Sexually compulsive behaviors and addictions, which include pornography, can temporarily provide confidence, control, validation or other emotions lacking in one’s life, but the behavior may not stop until the root of the problem is addressed.
Addiction changes the brain through the limbic system, also known as the “brain reward system.” This part of the brain is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and will manifest thoughts such as, “I deserve this,” or “Let’s do that again.” The abuse of sexual behaviors triggers this system which can prolong a continuous cycle of destructive behavior.
The most common addiction I treat is pornography addiction. Never in history has there been such a bombardment of sexual images available to people of all ages. The internet has opened a floodgate of imagery and is especially difficult because of the three A’s of internet porn: accessibility, affordability, and anonymity. Porn addicts can often operate in the shadows—his and her behavior often unknown to any other person.
Seek Professional Assistance
People who have developed a sex addiction may be unaware that it is out of control, which is why counseling is an essential part of working through and managing this condition. An addiction of any sort can be exhausting and one should never go through the recovery process alone.
Many treatment plans focus on talk therapy and behavior therapy and can be performed in a group or through one-on-one sessions. During these sessions, patients analyze the reasons behind their addiction(s), what triggers are and what helped them control impulses in the past. Patients also learn coping skills so they can manage the compulsions without relapsing.
Contact Mark to get help today.