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Compulsive sexual behaviour comes with a variety of different names. It is more often than not call sexual addiction, but other terms are hypersexuality. sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. Satyriasis is the term used for men suffering with this condition, while for women it is Nymphomania.

Whatever term you wish to use, compulsive sexual behaviour is a problem that must not be kept hidden away.

Here is an explanation of what the condition is, why many suffer in silence, what the dangers are, and how treating this difficult addiction can be achieved.

What is compulsive sexual behaviour?

Contrary to what many believe would be an enjoyable condition to suffer from, addiction to sex is seen as a form of obsessive compulsive behaviour with risk taking being a major factor.

The individual is obsessed with sexual thoughts. These interfere with their daily activities. It affects their ability and concentration while working, and any other responsibilities or obligations will always take a back-seat as this obsession is extremely time consuming.

If they are in a permanent relationship an additional burden is the fact they need to work very hard to keep their secret life away from their partner.

How many people does this condition affect?

This is one of the great unknowns, many who suffer are simply too embarrassed to seek help and will maintain a stubborn and solitary silence.

By doing so things will not get better, indeed the chances are they will continue in a downward spiral. Bigger risks will be taken, and there is a good possibility that these individuals will become involved in even more bizarre sexual experiences.

One of the problems with this ‘anything and everything goes’ attitude is that they can blur lines between what is sexually legal and what is against the law.

It is unlikely that accurate figures will ever be established in terms of the numbers struggling with this condition. This is due to the reluctance of many to seek help out of embarrassment or shame.

An added barrier preventing them from seeking much needed treatment is denial. This thought process is similar to those struggling with a dependence upon alcohol or drugs.

A person addicted to sex will convince themselves they have everything under control and constantly self-justify their actions. This attitude helps them to avoid facing the depth and reality of their situation.

Dangers of compulsive sexual behaviour:

Those involved in risky sexual behaviour are leaving themselves wide open to danger. Here are three examples of this.

Personal health should be a major concern. The chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is a real hazard, the desire for sexual experiences stretches well beyond excessive watching of porn and constant masturbating.

They will pay for sex on a regular basis, will do their best to find multiple casual partners, and often go to extremes by making it very obvious to complete strangers that sex is on the menu.

The thrill and excitement of performing sex acts in public places is accepted by many, quickly arranged visits to motels, hotels or even the strangers home are accepted.

These risks and the fact they have no knowledge of the person they are offering themselves to leave them dangerously exposed to possible violence and harm.

The final danger is that of crossing the line into unlawful sex acts. As their compulsions and fantasies increase so can their actions. Some will progress to having sex with animals or feel compelled to involve children

It goes without saying that if such incidents do occur and are brought to the attention of the authorities, then prosecution is a given.

A Positive Treatment Option – Inpatient Rehabilitation:

The basis of addiction treatment is to help the person suffering understand the reasons behind their addiction, and work with them towards the ultimate goal of living a life free from the substance that caused addiction in the first place.

In the case of sex, it is not reasonable to expect a person to give up sexual activity for the rest of their lives.

This means that while a major part of the treatment will be to understand the underlying issues causing them to think and act in the way they are, the aim is also to make them understand and adhere to what is accepted as ‘normal’ and natural sexual activity.

Comprehensive therapy and in-depth counselling is required if this goal is to be achieved.

Many who suffer from compulsive sexual behaviour find that a stay in a respected inpatient rehabilitation centre is a very positive beginning to what will undoubtedly be long term treatment.

This should be an extended stay where they are taken from their normal environment into one that allows them to focus on their problems.

They will receive therapy in a variety of different ways. Such a stay will include daily supervised exercise suited to their level of ability, many find Yoga and meditation to be helpful, and a routine of daily activities with set meal times in calm, peaceful and very comfortable surroundings helps immensely.

Add to this crucial, in-depth one-to-one counselling sessions that are targetted at putting them on the right track to lead a life where sex is an important, but not all-consuming factor and the basis for recovery is established.

Aftercare – A ‘must’ for recovery progression:

It is important to understand that this positive starting point needs to be followed through in the form of aftercare.

Clients who opt to stay at a quality rehabilitation establishment will have comprehensive aftercare options explained to them. They will also receive assistance in terms of putting this in place before departure.

Many going through the recovery process also find voluntary organisations such as Sex Addicts Anonymous a positive influence.

By attending regular meetings, they will be amongst others who have similar issues. The frank, open discussions that take place are seen as a way of helping acknowledge and maintain the changes necessary in their lifestyle and sexual activity.

The long road called “Recovery” is a route many men and women who have been through drug or alcohol rehab treatment are currently treading.

Throughout their treatment they will have been told time and again of the relapse temptations that are likely to come their way, and how best to deal with them.

Many will agree that this is easier said than done, so let’s take a look at what a relapse is, some early warning signs that need to be addressed quickly, and how a loved one should react if the addict has slipped back into drug or alcohol use.

What is a relapse?

Many consider an addict to have suffered a relapse if they return to using any amount of the substance which caused addiction in the first place, others state a relapse is classified when a user returns to heavy use of the substance in question.

The medical profession considers a relapse to be a return to heavier or destructive use of that substance. This distinction is important to understand.

Taking alcohol as an example, though it is strongly discouraged, one beer on one occasion can be classed as a lapse, whereas a return to regular drinking which will cause negative consequences and put the recovering alcoholic back on the road to regular heavy drinking must be classed as a relapse.

Early signs that a relapse could be in the offing:

It is absolutely vital for those going through recovery, and if possible, those closest to them to understand signs indicating a possible relapse is nearing reality.

We will explain the importance of being alert to such signs and why early, positive action is required at the end of this section, but first let’s concentrate on the signs themselves.

If a recovering addict begins to feel or show increased anxiety, becomes far more impatient over trivial things, or finds their anger rising more quickly than expected, these can be seen as signs that a relapse is in the offing.

Many become moody, have increased problems with their sleep pattern and/or the improved diet they have been keeping. Some will make it clear they would rather spend time on their own than be in company, they may become noticeably stubborn and even refuse help that up to this point has been gratefully accepted.

They know full well what treatment recommendations should be followed, but feel rebellious and do not stick to them as well as they could, and even begin to reminisce about the past.

If this hankering to ‘re-live’ the past gets stronger, many will consider seeing friends they used to associate with when addicted to drugs or alcohol. If any of those friends are still heavily into drugs or alcohol such a meeting needs to be avoided.

Why such behavior and thoughts must be nipped in the bud:

If these early warning signs are acknowledged it will allow positive, preventative relapse action to be taken. This can be achieved by arranging an urgent appointment with their rehab counsellor. It goes without saying that the sooner such help is sought, the better.

Once these feelings are voiced the counsellor will be in a far better position to evaluate current treatment and suggest changes that will help diffuse thoughts of a relapse while progressing with recovery.

The last thing those going through recovery should do is ignore these early warning signs. By doing so they are putting all of the progress made to date at risk.

Obvious signs of a relapse:

If a recovering addict has buckled under the strong pressures felt, the signs of a relapse will be self-evident and difficult for a loved one to miss.

In terms of recovering alcoholics; if alcohol starts to go missing from home, bottles are found stashed away or empty ones placed in the trash, or they return home clearly the worse for wear due to drink it is obvious a relapse has commenced.

If drugs were the problem, keep an eye out for drug paraphernalia such as syringes/needles, excessive amounts of lighters, rubber bands, small empty plastic ‘wraps’ and even medicine missing from its usual place in the house.

Whether it be alcohol or drugs another big warning sign is the fact that money or valuables begin to disappear, or you discover that someone has accessed your bank or savings accounts.

What action to take if it is obvious a loved one has relapsed:

While this may seem a harsh thing to do you need to confront the situation head on. You need to tell them in a direct manner that you believe they are using alcohol or drugs again.

If they admit:

If they admit this, then you need to support them by arranging an appointment with their rehab counsellor or doctor as soon as possible. Once this process is set in motion there is hope that the addict will respond to renewed efforts to quit.

A recovering addict needs to be reassured that a relapse does not mean treatment has completely failed.

Yes, it is a setback, but if they are willing to persevere by recommencing treatment and counselling then you need to give them all the love and support possible.

If denial is their only response:

If they deny, and maintain denial even though it is blatantly obvious they have started to re-use then tough love has to be the order of the day with strong ultimatums given.

It is also very important that you contact their doctor or the rehab establishment they have been receiving treatment from to seek assistance.

If you do not have such detail, then get in touch with your local drug or alcohol advice centre to discuss the situation and listen to their advice.

Hopefully this last situation will not arise, but you must be prepared in the event it does.

Drinking games are a regular feature of what is now called the binge drinking epidemic, but they are certainly no newcomers to the drunken scene.

They have been played in various countries throughout the world for centuries and are very effective in terms of speeding along the desired effects of those looking to get seriously hammered.

But for the purpose of this article we will concentrate on the modern day binge drinker and why drinking games are often part of this culture.

Before looking at why these games continue to stand the test of time while many participants are rewarded with wobbly leg syndrome, or just happen to slide unceremoniously off bar stools, we will consider 2 factors relating to binge drinking.

How long does a session of binge drinking last?

Many consider this potentially dangerous drinking session to take place over a full day, or during an intense evening of drink after drink. While this is often the case, it should not be forgotten that some binges last for several days, and those who seriously abuse alcohol have been known to continue for weeks on end.

Who is most likely to be involved in regular binges?

No prizes for answering this one correctly! It is most common for men who are moving from adolescence into early adulthood to embrace binge drinking. This group of testosterone-fuelled young men are ‘bang up for it’. They are out to compete as well as impress their mates, show off to their girlfriends or other girls, and let other males of a similar age group know they are potential rivals.

Before we get into more detail about competing males and binge drinking, let’s take a look at the longevity of drinking games and the types many indulge in which are aimed at getting their group ‘bender’ off to a rapid drunken start.

Drinking games – Certainly not a new concept:

Countries throughout the world have used drinking games as a form of entertainment and inebriation for centuries. Some took them so seriously that rules officials were on hand and referees appointed to adjudicate on any disputes.

These guys had to keep strong control of events as things often turned rowdy and aggressive as participants descended into drunkenness.

More on this point relating to modern drinking games later, but suffice to say officials are nowhere to be seen nowadays.

What form do the modern day games generally take?

There is no shortage of choice. Games can involve tossing coins, rolling dice, quick-fire cards, memory or response games, speed and endurance challenges, as well as drinking games related to certain movies and sporting events.

The ‘penalty’ for losing each round can range from taking a sip of your own drink to downing whatever has been put in front of you.

There are many different versions depending on which country you live in and the type of company you keep.

One very simple example of this is the dice game: 3, 5, 7. A minimum of 3 players generally take part with a maximum of 6 or 7 to keep things rolling quickly.

Each player throws 2 dice in turn. The person who first totals ‘3’ shouts out a drink order of choice, this is usually a ‘shot’. The game continues until someone throws a total of ‘5’. This person pays for the drink, and the ‘lucky’ player throwing a 2-dice total of 7 has to down whatever waits in one go.

Drinking games – A potential recipe for trouble:

Take 2 separate groups of young men in the same bar with both groups intent on having their own binge to remember. Mix in a few rapid fire drinking games played independently by each group, give the 2 contrasting ‘ingredients’ a couple of hours to soak in alcohol, let them simmer with increasingly aggressive glares, and there is a good chance things will boil over.

Even assuming no trouble kicks-off while in the bar, things can take a turn for the worse once the bingers hit the fresh air. En-route to their next watering hole many will feel a bravado beyond reason, others aggression.

Besides fighting, those who are roaring drunk are prone to accidents and others will involve themselves with senseless vandalism. The list of potential binge problems is frightening and we have not even considered the potential health problems bingers are bringing upon themselves.

But, as we are coming to the end of the piece it seems appropriate to finish on just one fact that binge drinkers MUST heed. This is regardless of whether they indulge in drinking games or not:

Binge drinking speeds along brain damage faster than alcoholism:

Those who regularly indulge in this intense, sustained use of alcohol are causing brain damage at a faster and more severe rate than chronic alcoholics do.

Once a binge session is over, toxicity of the nervous system causes huge amounts of glutamate to be released. This over-stimulates the brain causing damage to, or killing off brain cells.

To make matters even worse this is not a one-off event. The more often you indulge in binge drinking sessions, the more this process is repeated with the result being ever increasing brain damage.

Lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD as we commonly know it is rumoured to be taking an ever stronger foothold in the club drug world.

An old timer making a big comeback?

This old timer has been around for many a year. It was first made in Switzerland by the world renowned Albert Hofmann in 1938, and another 5 years before he ‘discovered’ its psychedelic effects.

Way back then he could surely never have imagined the popularity and controversy this highly powerful substance would spark decades later.

LSD use peaked in the so called counterculture of the 1960’s, before its increasing use worried western governments so much that many declared it illegal.

While it has never really gone away, it had become far less fashionable than other ‘recreational’ drugs, but if the clubbing culture rumours are to be believed, let’s hope this new breed of user fully understands what they are letting themselves in for.

The psychedelic and hallucinatory effects along with the length of a ‘trip’ need to be fully understood before anyone even considers messing with it.

Those who are into club drugs need to understand that this drug can swing you one way or the other. Its unpredictability means you could be in for a very pleasant experience or one that nightmares are made of.

One thing is for sure, whichever way you turn, the trip will last far longer than any other single dose of drug you have ever experienced.

Altered perceptions:

The use of LSD is now seen mainly as the domain of younger users. Those who enjoy clubbing, concerts and festivals see it as an excellent way of experiencing and enhancing a long night.

When under its full influence a user’s sense of reality and perception alter drastically.

Colours become extremely vivid, still images move, and a constant shift of imaginary patterns overlay each other. Sound-wise it can distort, intensify and cause echo-like hearing. On a good day an LSD trip will greatly enhance a user’s listening experience.

How is it taken:

Most commonly it is swallowed, or comes on blotting paper which is held under the tongue until it dissolves.

Never wishing to miss a trick, those who produce the drug will usually imprint the perforated blotting paper with bright, cheery cartoon characters. It must be said that once taken many users do not feel so cheery!

How long does it take to kick in and how long does it last?

It can take anything between 20 and 45 minutes to kick in. This is dependent upon the strength of the batch, and how the user’s brain responds.

Once the trip has begun it generally peaks between 3 and 4 hours after taking it, with effects lasting for up to 12 hours.

While this may sound perfect if the experience is one of pleasure, it can be an absolute nightmare for those going through a bad trip.

There is ALWAYS the possibility of a bad trip:

One thing many users fail to understand is the unpredictability of the drug. Just because their first or subsequent trips have been good this does not mean future trips will be the same. The straight fact is that each time you take LSD there is the possibility of a bad trip waiting.

Bad trip – Bad feelings and even worse vibes:

While good trips can be seen as pleasurable experiences that stimulate the mind and vision, bad trips can be very bad. Heavy, negative emotions can flood over you. This includes paranoia, irrational fears and a deep anxiety.

Some suffer panic attacks, others feel totally without hope. Rapid mood swings are common, and at its worst a bad trip can give strong feelings of wanting to harm others, or having desperate thoughts of suicide.

At the risk of repetition, and no apology made for it, these nightmare trips can gradually build to a peak up to 4 hours after taking a ‘tab’ and then take another 8 hours to gradually subside. Let’s face it, that is an awful long time to be in such a frame of mind!

The good news and the bad:

The good news is that LSD is not known to be physically addictive. The very bad news is that it can become psychologically addictive. With regular and repeated use, you will build a tolerance to the drug.

This means to achieve the same effects as previously experienced you will need more of the same. More of the same will leave you suffering with serious ‘mind’ issues.

A different treatment approach:

Due to the fact that there are no withdrawal symptoms associated with those who abuse LSD, rehabilitation establishments need to focus on a different treatment approach to other addictive drugs.

This treatment will major on the psychological level, and will include such things as behaviour modification and extensive one to one counselling.

This counselling will often relate to depression which many heavy users suffer from, and very importantly they will be encouraged and educated on how to live without the need for this powerful, long lasting and potentially destructive drug.

Everyone deserves a holiday, it is seen as a reward for hard work throughout the year, a time to kick-back, relax and forget those everyday challenges of daily home life.

Many will decide to take a break in their own country, but for others heading abroad is par for the course. The world has been getting ‘smaller’ for many a year now thanks to the ever increasing number of global destinations available from the myriad of airlines out there, and for many, heading to foreign climes is an accepted part of the adventure.

But what begins as a dream vacation could very rapidly to turn into a nightmare from hell for those who risk purchasing and using drugs while abroad.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the reasons why such risks far outweigh any highs you may be looking for.

Drugs are a global commodity:

One thing is for sure, there are not many countries in the world where illegal drug use is not flourishing. Indeed, several popular ‘recreational’ drugs that are common in western countries originate from overseas. Cocaine and Heroin being just 2 examples.

But just because you happen to be heading to a country where a drug is either produced or freely available does not mean you are free to purchase and use them whilst there.

Why consider buying drugs in a foreign country in the first place?

Only you can answer that one, but some common explanations are the fact that you may be a regular user of illegal drugs in your own country and want to sample the local ‘wares’.

Perhaps the relaxed, easy going mood you quickly slip into tempts you to look for a little bit ‘extra’, or the fact that you are partying that much harder every night leaves you feeling in need of a boost.

Whatever your reason, please think long and hard before entering into a deal which could leave you at best short-changed and at worst spending time in a foreign jail.

Dealers do not have your welfare at heart:

While this statement is true in your own country, it bears a bigger significance when you are abroad. Many of the countries you will visit have a majority of the population that are far less prosperous than you. The fact that you have enough money to travel thousands of miles and can afford to seemingly spend as you please gives dealers in those countries a huge incentive to turn a large profit by selling drugs to foreigners.

You will be seen as a temporary target where the price charged will be far higher than what a local would pay.

Dealers are not always what they seem:

Again, while this is true in your country, most who purchase drugs in their local area will have some knowledge of the dealer. Those pedalling drugs in foreign countries could well be in ‘debt’ to the local police force and be providing information as an informer.

A foreigner makes a very tempting target. Just picture the scene: After a first time purchase you are keen for more and know the dealers ‘patch’. A visit is made, the deal is done and 10 minutes later you are apprehended by the police.

Please do not think this is unlucky. The fact the dealer has ‘grassed’ you will quickly dawn as will the reality of the situation.

The other thing to be very aware of is that many foreign police officers operate in plain clothes. Any drug deal seen by, or discussed with these guys ends with a rapid visit to the local police station.

Understanding the do’s and don’ts while in foreign countries:

The majority of people are fully aware of what is legal and what is not in their own country. Looking at laws from a holiday point of view this includes the legal drinking age and severity of sentence faced if caught in possession of illegal substances.

Those who visit foreign countries would be well advised to understand some of the major laws of that country before arrival.

Using the excuse “I didn’t know what I was doing was against the law” is NO excuse at all!

While bribes to get out of the mess you are in are possible it will cost heavily and should certainly not be relied on as a ‘get out of jail card’.

If prosecution does go ahead, you could very well exchange days on that tropical beach or around the pool and your pre-booked return flight for time on remand in conditions you would not wish on your worst enemy.

It is also vital to understand that some of the penalties for possession and use of drugs are far more severe than in your home country.

Keep it safe, keep it sensible – Stay away from drugs while abroad:

The vast majority of those who dabble with drugs will have heard anecdotal tales of others buying and using drugs while on holiday. In the main the stories will be true, and the recipients will have avoided any problems with the law, but please do not think because you are a foreigner this renders you immune from prosecution.

The reality is that the risk of drug purchase and use while abroad is just too big a gamble to consider.