The Link between Depression and Sex Addiction:

What comes first ? the chicken or the egg? This is similar to the question, what comes first depression or addiction. The answer is not really important, the point is that depression and addiction go hand in hand. This is especially true of addcition to internet pornography. Pornography addiction supports the many symptoms of depression. One of the core beliefs of a porn addict is: I am an unworthy person (Carnes, Demonico & Griffin, 2001) This mirrors what a depressed person feels about themselves. Other similar feelings are isolation, irritability, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, etc. When a person has an addiction plus a psychiatric illness such as depression, clinicians call it a "dual diagnosis." The term is a reminder for health care professionals involved, that this patient has extra challenges on the road to recovery. However, I have never seen an addict but does not have symptoms of depression. Very often the addictive substance or behavior (internet pornography, sex addiction) works as a numbing or self-medicating tool. The addictive lifestyle lends itself to depression.

Sex Addiction and Relationships:

A person who is addicted to pornography typically isolates himself from family and friends. All of his/her spare time is spent on the internet with sexual fantasy and obsession. Relationships begin to suffer. Friendships fall by the wayside. The internet and relationships established in the sex chat rooms become a perfect substitute for real relationships. Cyber relationships typically have much lower expectations. Porn addiction or more generally, sex addiction leaves no time for any other activity. As a natural consequence, the addict begins to feel less about himself/herself. Hours are spent in a state of daze of sexual fantasy, sexual obsession often accompanied by compulsive masturbation -- health, work, finances and relationships all begin to suffer. Add to this the addict's own questions about morality and spiritual connection. Depression is almost inevitable and sooner or later, it usually sets in.

In other words, depression and porn addiction become interdependent ? each feeding the other. However, help for sex addiction or online addiction is available. Treatment of porn addiction can only be effective if the issue of depression is addressed adequately. However, the combination of addiction and depression can make treatment more difficult as well as lengthy. When a person feels sad, hopeless, or exhausted, battling an addiction is a special challenge. But, being aware of the link between addiction and depression, and that dual diagnosis is a possibility is helpful. It is important to seek treatment that addresses both issues ? depression and sexual addiction.

Treatment of Depression and Sexual Addiction: Treatment needs to be geared towards recovery and as well as Depression. Anti-depressant medications may be an effective tool as well. Usually it's necessary to help the person abstain from the addictive behaviors before depression can be addressed.

For more information, please contact Rochna Hazra, LPC. For a better understanding of how to free yourself from the grip of this addiction and take control of difficult emotions, request a FREE REPORT on the 8 Action Steps to Recovery at http://www.yoursqueezepage.com/displayPage.php'id=9792 You will not regret it!