SEX ON THE BRAIN

A Healthy Prefrontal Cortex Can Change Your Life

Standing in line at the grocery store, I am bombarded with the headlines:  

"Tiger Woods Goes to Rehab for Sexual Addiction"  

"Arnold Tells Maria He Fathered a Child 10 Years Ago"

"John Edwards has a Child with Mistress Rielle Hunter"

"IMF Senior Employee in Jail for Hotel Rape"
 

Whether these headlines reveal fact or fiction - there is something going on inside or outside the bedroom that needs to be discussed.  

Sexual and other addictions are compulsive desires to repeatedly do the desired thing inspite of consequences.  As an addiction progresses a person will eventually find they are powerless to stop their addiction.  Compassionate friends and family may judge the addict as weak willed, morally corrupt or relationally immature. However, it may be a brain problem - a dysfunctional prefrontal cortex.

Did you know that the greatest sexual organ is the brain?  

The prefrontal cortex is in the front of the brain.  For an addict - sexual or otherwise - this area of the brain may be dysfunctional.  When a person has a brain injury - such as a sports injury to the head, car wreck, falls out of a tree - on the head, etc.  The prefrontal cortex may be harmed.  This area of the brain controls things like planning, decision making and delayed gratification. Medical diagnoses such as ADHD, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder may be signs there is some dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex.

What I am saying is this - sometimes overcoming an addiction - sexual or otherwise may take more than just "gutting it out."  

A brain can be strengthened to become more healthy.  Here are some steps to begin developing a healthy brain:

* eating a healthy diet

* meditation and prayer

* getting proper rest - taking a daily sabbath weekly

* cultivating an attitude of gratitude

* taking medications when necessary

Dr. Daniel Amen has clinics in California and Virginia that study the brain and conduct brain scan imaging for clients interested in learning more about their brain's function.  Dr. Amen's popular book "Change Your Brain Change Your Life" gives guidelines on how to begin the process to a healthy brain on your own.  

It is important to be aware of the signs of possible brain injury: numbness, drowsiness, severe headache, weakness in the arms, dizziness, loss of vision, vomitting, confusion and disorientation. If this occurs, please take proper precaution and have your head examined. 

If you have an addiction - there is help available. For more information on addiction and recovery check out my website: www.stages2change.com

For information on brain image scanning at the Amen Clinics:
www.amenclinics.com