The Science Behind Sexual Addiction – It’s Not Sex, It’s Dopamine

When we think of sexual addicts, we think of individuals who can’t stop participating in inappropriate and unhealthy sexual relationships, regardless of the harm it may be causing. They just love sex, right? Well, not exactly.

In actuality, sexual addiction isn’t about the sex. It’s about the chemicals in your brain making you feel good. Keep reading below as we dive into the science behind sexual addiction.

What is sexual addiction?

First things first, you must understand the definition of sexual addiction. Sexual addiction is defined as inappropriate behavior that causes substantial harm to yourself and others because that behavior gives you pleasure and value.

It’s not just sex, it’s a need to feel good about yourself. When you are participating in negative behavior that makes you feel good, you’re not thinking of the pain it may cause later on.

In recovery, you are learning that the pleasure and value you thought you were experiencing in your sexual encounters was false pleasure. But what caused that sense of pleasure in the first place?

The science behind love

There is a complex science behind love. Below, we’ll dive into dopamine specifically and how it affects our body:

What is dopamine?

Dopamine is a chemical in our brains that acts as a messenger between all of our brain cells. It is the chemical that is responsible for feelings of happiness and pleasure.

The release

When dopamine is released, it travels between the neural pathways in our brains and attaches itself to the nerve endings.

This release occurs when we eat food we enjoy, are receiving praise, and when we are around people that are sexually attractive.

The effects

Upon release, dopamine produces pleasure and euphoria. It tells the body, “I really like that, get more of it.” Whether it’s a slice of pizza or inappropriate sexual behavior, the effects are the same. It makes you crave that feeling again and again.

Dopamine and addiction

Now that you know dopamine is responsible for all things pleasure in our body, you can begin to see how it plays a role in sexual addiction.

When participating in inappropriate sexual behaviors, the body tells an addict that they enjoy it and need more of it. Not want – need. Therefore, the body isn’t necessarily addicted to the action but rather to the chemicals released by it. Recognizing this addiction to dopamine and determining why your behaviors are releasing it will lead you to understand your addiction in full.

Learn More

Do you want to learn more about the effects of dopamine on your body and on your addiction? Coeur d’Alene Counseling is a sexual addiction recovery center that can help you get to the root of your addiction.

Contact us today. We want to help you live a better, healthier life!

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