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Sexual Addiction |
Addiction to sexual activities can be just as destructive as an alcohol or drug addiction.
An addict can destroy family and marital relationships, can lose a job, and put their partner and family in danger of sexually transmitted disease.
Sexual addiction exists when an individual uses sex as a release, where sex is more important than intimacy. It is possible for a sex addict to be married and faithful, but will use their partner to gratify sexual needs. Their partner will feel that the addicted partner is distant and treats them as an object. It is rarely possible for a partner to satisfy all the urges and masturbation will be frequent and may even be self-harming.
Most often, though, the sex addict will look outside the home to fulfil their urges.
A sex-addict, just like any other addict , cannot control their behaviour even though they may be well aware of the harm they are doing to themselves and others.
They are in need of specialized treatment and ongoing group support.
Sexual addiction often co-exists with substance addictions and is often not treated because of the stigma, deep shame and secrecy that exists.
Sexual behaviour is considered to be addictive when:
- It is compulsive
- It is continued despite serious adverse consequences
- It is inappropriate and when people and situations are sexualized and sexual connotations are found in the most ordinary incident or remark.
- Large amounts of time and/or money are spent in pursuit of a "quick fix."
Sexual behaviour should be placed in context. What is healthy sexual behavior for many people may be unhealthy for others, just as the use of alcohol causes no adverse consequences for most people but severe problems for some.
Milkman and Sunderwirth(6) have classified sexual addiction as an arousal addiction because its effects on the brain are similar to the effects of cocaine, amphetamines, compulsive gambling, and risk-taking behaviors.
Like alcoholics and other drug addicts, sex addicts engage in
- Addictive or distorted thinking,
- Rationalizing, and defending and justifying their behavior while
- Blaming others for resulting problems.
- Denying they have a problem and making excuses for their behavior.
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