What is the sex “addiction” that actor Samuel de Assis claims to have?

Studies show that 1% to 3% of the population may exhibit compulsive sexual behavior

To the last episode of Surubaum, a podcast hosted by acting couple Bruno Gagliasso and Giovanna Ewbank, fellow actor Samuel de Assis said he is addicted to sex. Does this form of coercion really exist? And again: how do you know that a person is really facing this situation?

It is important to explain that there is a clinical condition in which a person loses control over their sexual impulses and may face an addiction-like condition. This is what experts call sexual compulsion.

In the same way that there are other behaviors in which a person can lose control over their impulses, such as pathological gambling, kleptomania, among others, there can also be difficulty controlling sexual desire and practices.

Studies show that 1% to 3% of the population may exhibit compulsive sexual behavior. These numbers may be an underestimate because many people do not recognize they have a disorder, or even perceive a loss of control, but are embarrassed to seek help.

This compulsion is more common in men and, in general, manifests itself in late adolescence, or even close to the third decade of life. Many overcome the difficulty of controlling impulses on their own, but other people can experience significant losses and impacts on their personal lives, relationships, and even work.

The great difficulty in diagnosis is separating what is a more intense sexual desire, which we can all have at some stages of life, from a clinical condition that may require attention and therapeutic or medical care.

Perhaps the main cut-off point is the duration and intensity of this heightened sexual desire, the loss or lack of control over impulses when seeking sex, and the impact this seeking may have on the person’s life.

In compulsion there is a progressive difficulty in taking control of one’s desire, which ends up becoming imperative. The person may undertake long and endless journeys in search of pleasure, putting themselves in risk situations such as having sex in public places, difficulty respecting the limits of their partner, as well as greater exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (sexually transmitted infections), situations of violence sexual and problems with the law.

Damage to family and emotional relationships, abuse of substances such as alcohol, drugs and medications in an attempt to control anxiety and decreased performance in studies and work are not uncommon. The priority becomes the incessant pursuit of sex and pleasure. It seems that the person is never 100% satisfied, there is always a little extra pleasure missing.

An increase in sexual desire in some phases or moments of life can happen to anyone. The end of puberty, the discovery of sex, a passion, a new relationship, a special trip, all this can serve as a stimulus for people to experience their desire more and want to dedicate more time to sex.

Furthermore, some people may be more “sexual” than others, and this variation is absolutely normal and part of our diversity.

But in a world that tends to trivialize psychiatric diagnoses, just as those who have natural emotional fluctuations become bipolar and those who do multiple things at the same time become hyperactive, those who enjoy sex a little more can consider themselves or be considered “a” drug addict”.

Since sex is overrated in our culture, most people who say they are addicted are probably someone who is experiencing a phase of increased desire, or even someone a little more interested in sexual pleasure, and not someone who is coping a compulsive condition.

Finally, it is important to underline that the invasion of screens and technologies into our lives, the widespread access to online pornography and the possibility of countless collaborations on dating apps can greatly facilitate access to sex, which can increase the risk of compulsion for those who are in a more vulnerable phase of life.

An example is adolescent boys, who are socially pressured to have an early sexual life and multiple experiences. Hence the importance of investing in education, both about sexuality and the use of technology, at home and at school.

*Jairo Bouer is a psychiatrist and writes weekly for Terra Você.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.