Sex Addiction? Really?
Society may have become more accepting of the concept of addiction in areas other than drugs and alcohol – gambling and shoplifting, for example – but the idea of sex addiction is often treated with a heavy dose of scepticism. In part this may be a reaction to the media’s cynical insinuation that celebrities seeking treatment for sex addiction may be doing so as an excuse for infidelity.
Ruth Walker in the Scotland on Sunday presents an interesting but disturbing insight into the life of sex addicts. The point is well made that, in this era, it’s almost ok to be an alcoholic or a drug addict, but sex addiction is still seen as a taboo. The implication is that it would make little sense for a person to pretend to be a sex addict, in an attempt to improve their public image.
Scotland on Sunday article: Constant craving: Sex addicts like Tiger Woods suffer from a real problem
Smokers: Dependent and Non-Dependent
PhysOrg.com has reported on the findings of a new study into nicotine absorption that suggests brain nicotine levels rise during the course of smoking an entire cigarette rather than, as previously thought, spiking with each puff. Interestingly, the report still describes as a mystery, the question of why some smokers become dependent and others do not. Genetic and psychological factors are suggested as a possible explanation.
PhysOrg.com article: New Insight on How Fast Nicotine Peaks in the Brain
Sugar Vs Drugs
A study at the University of California indicates that the brain responds to sugary snacks in a similar way to the way it responds to drugs, reports Kimberly Suiters at NBCWashington.com. In a lab test on animals, normal eating behaviour was observed when fed on a natural diet. When fed Oreos and Fruit Loops, however, the animals gorged themselves until there was nothing left.
NBCWashington article: Brain Treats Sweets Like Drugs
