Do you have a sexual addiction?
An addiction can be described as;
A condition that causes changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavior control.
And we all know, there is considerable controversy surrounding the diagnosis of “sex addiction.”
What is Sexual Addiction?
This is also known as Compulsive Sexual Behaviour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as a compulsive sexual behavior in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
It is defined as an impulse disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior.
In layman terms, it is a compulsive need to perform sexual acts in order to achieve some kind of “fix”.
For some people, it can be highly dangerous and result in considerable difficulties with relationships.
A person that is experiencing this will also try to seek out multiple sex partners.
And in some instances, it may manifest itself as a compulsive need to masturbate, view pornography, or be in sexually stimulating situations.
A person with sex addiction may also significantly alter their life and activities in order to perform sexual acts multiple times a day and are unable to control their behavior, despite severe negative consequences.
What are the symptoms of sex addiction?
In my opinion, there’s considerable controversy about what criteria constitute an addiction.
One characteristic may be the secrecy of behaviors,
In which the person with the disorder becomes skilled at hiding their behavior and can even keep the condition secret from spouses, partners, and family members.
They may lie about their activities or try to engage in them at times and at places where they won’t be found out.
But sometimes symptoms are present and noticeable.
A person may have a sex addiction if they show some or all of the following signs:
- chronic, obsessive sexual thoughts and fantasies
- compulsive relations with multiple partners, including strangers
- lying to cover behaviors
- preoccupation with having sex, even when it interferes with daily life, productivity,
work performance etc. - inability to stop or control the behaviors
- putting oneself or others in danger due to sexual behavior
- feeling remorse or guilt after sex
- experiencing other negative personal or professional consequences
Compulsive behaviors can strain relationships and some people may claim to have a sex addiction as a way to explain cheating in a relationship.
It’s important to also remember that enjoying sex is not a sign of sex addiction.
Sex is a healthy human activity and enjoying it is normal.
In addition, differences in the level of sexual interest between partners do not mean that one partner has a sex addiction.
What are the treatments for sex addiction?
In my experience with sex addiction and sex addicts, I find that these steps have assisted in some way.
Inpatient treatment programs
There are many inpatient treatment centers that offer sex addiction recovery programs.
People with sex addiction are usually removed from their normal daily lives for at least 30 days to help them regain control of their impulses and start healing.
These types of programs typically include in-depth individual and group therapy sessions.
12-step programs
Programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) follow the same recovery model as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
They can be very helpful in addressing sex addiction.
The individuals aren’t required to give up sex entirely, but they are encouraged to refrain from compulsive and destructive sexual behavior.
Our Intimacy Coach has a great program.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
This type of therapy can help a person identify triggers for sexual impulses and ultimately teach them how to alter behaviors.
Medication
Some people may benefit from a course of drug therapy.
What’s the outlook for sex addiction?
The person addressing sex addiction faces a unique set of challenges.
They may be engaging in behaviors that put their relationships, their own safety and health, and the health of their partner in jeopardy.
