Dr. Trish Leigh
Episode #135: Can't Stop Fantasizing About Sex? - Dr. Trish Leigh
Jul 24, 2024
Dr. Trish Leigh, a cognitive neuroscientist and sex addiction recovery coach, dives into the intriguing world of compulsive sexual fantasies. She discusses how these fantasies can act as mental traps due to their link with dopamine release. Trish shares effective strategies to manage these compulsions through healthier activities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing the brain's role in pornography addiction and introduces neurofeedback as a powerful tool for recovery.
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Quick takeaways
- Fantasizing about porn leads to a dopamine release that traps individuals in a cycle of compulsive sexual behavior, reinforcing addiction.
- Neurofeedback brain training is essential for breaking free from compulsive sexual fantasies and rewiring the brain for healthier responses.
Deep dives
Prevalence and Understanding of Sexual Fantasy
The majority of individuals, between 90% and 97%, have sexual fantasies, yet only a small percentage, about 3% to 6%, are considered to have compulsion towards these fantasies. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder, also known as hypersexuality, includes three main aspects: sexual fantasy, sexual urges, and sexual behaviors. A significant connection between pornography consumption and compulsive sexual fantasies is highlighted, where frequent and intense viewing may lead to internalized fantasies that can become uncontrollable. This internalization leads to a cycle where fantasizing triggers a dopamine release, further reinforcing the desire for more fantasy as a means of coping with emotional distress.
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