Sex addiction is a growing problem across the world but despite this, it’s a condition for which many people do not get help.
One of the main reasons for this is because until recently, it was a disorder that we knew very little about. Even today, in an environment where sex addiction is often in the news and in Hollywood films, most people do not know the signs and symptoms of true sex addiction. Sex has been and on some level continues to be a taboo subject so people are less likely to discuss their concerns or questions with others. To complicate matters further, sex addiction is not diagnosed based on frequency of behaviors or types of behaviors. It is determined based on the relationship that one has with the behaviors which is not as simple to assess.
What is sex addiction?
Sexual compulsivity can differ from person to person but it’s best described as a progressive intimacy disorder that is characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. As with any addiction, the addict usually has to intensify their behavior in order to achieve the same results. This often ends up having a negative impact on the addict’s personal and professional life.
The behaviors of sex addicts vary greatly. They often include multiple partners (one night stands or using the sex trade), affairs, compulsive masturbation, obsessive use of pornography, phone and Internet sex services to name a few. As the condition worsens, many may even turn to illegal activities such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, making obscene phone calls, and exploitation of vulnerable people. There are a portion of sex addicts (although certainly not the majority) whose progression will eventually lead them to behaviors which include molestation and rape.
Why is therapy so important when it comes to treating sex addiction?
There are a few reasons why therapy is typically a necessary component (as opposed to just joining a 12 Step fellowship, reading books, etc.) to a treatment plan for someone struggling with a sex addiction.
Studies show that as many as 97% of sex addicts have experienced emotional trauma, 83% of sex addicts have experienced sexual trauma and 71% of sex addicts have experienced physical abuse at some point in their lives. This highlights the importance of incorporating sex addiction counselling into treatment. Until the addict can identify, understand, and treat the causes of their behavior, it’s unlikely that they will ever be able to put a sustained stop to it.
If left untreated, sex addicts are more than likely going to start experiencing feelings of intense guilt which will develop into low-self esteem and eventually, depression. Sufferers can also develop family and relationship problems as the addiction takes hold and behaviors become more hurtful or damaging. There is of course also the potential to become infected with sexually transmitted disease and/or experience unplanned pregnancy. Therapy is an important component in helping clients cope with and resolve these issues.
Drug addicts, alcoholics and problem gamblers can use abstinence from their behaviors for the rest of their lives to help overcome their addictions. However, with sex addiction, this is not the case. Sex is a natural and healthy part of any relationship and most would struggle without sexual intimacy from the person they love. This complicating factor applies to people whom are struggling with eating disorders, workaholism and shopaholism as well.
Therapy teaches sex addicts how to treat and manage their condition with the possibility of going on to have a healthy sex life with their partner.
If you think that you or someone you know could have sexual addiction, please feel free to read about our New Beginnings treatment program, take our Sexual Addiction Screen Test (SAST-R) or contact us for more information about sex addiction counselling.
