Sensual addiction - Can One Ever Have Too Much Coupling?

Many people enjoy healthy, active intimate relationships which are mutually satisfying to both parties. However, even if both individuals are invested in the relationship, there are certainly nights when one partner shows more interest in having relations than the other, and that is perfectly normal. It only verges on the abnormal if one person persistently fails to be satiated by an active intimate relationship or begins pressuring their partner for certain sensual acts that he or she is not comfortable with; in this case, the possibility of a sensual addiction may be explored.  Regardless of the extent of one’s sensual activity, it is important to engage in proper male organ care and always practice safe coupling.

Is sensual addiction a real thing?

Sensual addiction has been a relatively hot topic in the media, with prominent celebrities, politicians and sports figures publicly announcing their addiction and seeking rehab.  While naysayers may believe the umbrella of sensual addiction is just a “get out of jail free card” for bad behavior, many psychologists and psychotherapists believe sensual addiction does exist and is treatable.

Simply put, sensual addiction occurs when one is overcome with thoughts and behaviors about sensual activity that are out of one’s ability to control.  Just like other addictions, sensual addiction occurs when the pleasure centers in the brain fail to send the brain a message of satisfaction.  Thus, an individual may continuously pursue sensual pleasure to excess, as the brain does not ever feel they have had enough.

If a person likes intimacy, does that make them an addict?

Plenty of people enjoy intimacy, food or alcohol without reaching the level of addiction.  The clinical definition of addiction encompasses behavior that interferes with other aspects of daily living. For instance, if an individual cannot hold down a job because they are perpetually surfing the Internet for adult materials they may have reached the level of addiction, as it is clearly interfering with their overall functioning.  Or, if a string of failed relationships have directly resulted from sensual pursuits outside of the relationship, one may have a problem. Additionally, if a person has made unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop certain sensual pursuits altogether – especially when it is causing harm to some area of their life – they may need to seek treatment for this maladaptive behavior.

Are there different types of sensual addiction?

While all addictions – sensual or otherwise – play on the same circuitry in the brain, there are certain types of sensual urges that are more likely to lead to compulsive, uncontrolled behavior. Often, but not always, sensual addiction revolves around dangerous, risky behaviors that seem more exciting to the individual engaging in them. Examples of risky sensual behavior include: voyeurism (watching strangers without their knowledge, often while self-pleasuring), frotteurism (rubbing one’s privates against an non-consenting stranger for pleasure), visiting prostitutes, engaging in unprotected relations – often with multiple partners in the same night, extramarital affairs, exhibitionism (flashing one’s privates in public), self-stimulation in public, excessive use of adult materials, chat rooms or phone coupling. Individuals who engage in these types of behavior get a “rush” from the danger of the activities, which is enjoyable and therefore leads to repeating the actions over and over again.

Can sensual addiction be treated?

There are numerous options for individuals who feel they need help with sensual addiction.  Many inpatient treatment facilities are available; while in treatment, patients participate in individual and group therapy. They may receive medication management and learn coping skills to deal with their addiction.  Less severe individuals may find success working with a therapist in an outpatient setting.  There are also numerous free support groups and 12-step programs.

Sensual health care

All sensually active men – whether they suffer from addiction or not – need to engage in daily male organ care in order to maintain their sensual health.  Barrier protection should be used with all sensual encounters to prevent the transmission of diseases. Additionally, a male organ health cream may be applied daily (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil).  A male organ cream that specially formulated with vitamins and minerals can help prevent cracked male organ skin, improve circulation to the area and enhance sensitivity.