Effective ways to decreasing sexual drive in sex offenders - Essay Example

Effective ways of to decreasing sexual drive in sex offenders Lecturer: Effective ways to decreasing sexual drive in sex offendersIntroduction Sexual offenses such as rape, sexual assault, and child molestation are some of the heinous crimes that occur in the society thus forcing the policy makers to implement effective ways of decreasing the sexual drive of sex offenders in order to minimize repeat offenses (Reamer, 2005). Aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, and sexual abuse of minor or ward are all considered serious crimes in the US (Reamer, 2005).

Sexual offenders may be motivated to commit such heinous acts due to their arousal patterns thus use of behavioral interventions and medications may reduce or control their deviant inclinations. The methods used in decreasing the sexual drive of sexual offenders aim at addressing the sexual interests, interpersonal functioning, distorted attitudes and behavior management (Reamer, 2005). Behavioral interventions The behavioral interventions in decreasing the sex drive of sexual offenders aims at controlling the sexual preferences and interests from children and violence, addressing the distorted beliefs and attitudes and emotional regulation (Wright, 2009).

Cognitive-behavioral treatment One of the effective ways is the cognitive-behavioral treatment that is used to address the inappropriate attitudes and inappropriate sexual preferences through modifying the thinking pattern, modifying the arousal patterns and reducing reoffending (Wright, 2009). Aversion therapy ensures that deviant sexual patterns are altered through use of paraphilic stimulus like induced nausea at peak arousal or foul odor or using a positive reinforcement such as inducing masturbation at the peak of arousal in order to switch to appropriate fantasies (Schwartz & Cellini, 1995).

Cognitive restructuring is another cognitive-behavioral therapy that will enable the sexual offender deal with cognitive distortions such as the notion that women enjoy rape and will involve training on social skills on how to interpret certain social issues without sexual distortions. The general purpose of the behavioral techniques is to pair the deviant fantasies with discomfort and boredom and pair the intense physical pleasure of orgasm with health fantasies (Reamer, 2005).Pharmacological interventions Pharmacological interventions involve administration of prescription medicines.

A common medication is the management of deviant sexual arousal through Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors that treat the obsessive-compulsive disorders thus reducing aggression and sexual urges (Reamer, 2005). Chemical castration This is an homonotherapy that reduces the circulation of testosterone through injection of chemicals such as ant-androgen that inhibits gonadotropin secretion and regulates male sexuality (Wright, 2009). However, the anti-androgens may lead to side effects such as nausea, irritability, nightmares, erectile dysfunction, muscle cramping and insomnia.

Conclusion The motivations for sexual offenses are influenced complex distorted attitudes, poor interpersonal skills and poor behavior management and thus cognitive-behavioral treatment therapies will help the offenders reduce their sexual drive. Accordingly, the use of pharmacological interventions enables the sex offenders reduce recidivism and assimilate the cognitive-behavioral response thus reducing the rate of repeat sexual offenses in the society. References:Reamer, F.G. (2005). Heinous crime: cases, causes, and consequences.

New York: Columbia University Press.Schwartz, B.K & Cellini, H.R. (1995). The sex offender: corrections, treatment and legal practice. New Jersey: Civic Research Institute.Wright, R.G. (2009). Sex offender laws: failed policies, new directions. New York: Springer Pubications.