Contrary to popularly believed stereotypes, sex addicts are not typically addicted to the act of sex itself – but rather the behavior is a manifestation of inner insecurities and problems with forming intimate personal relationships.
Commonly reported feelings by people with sexual compulsivity and sexual addictions include anxiety toward personal relationships and deep fears about becoming emotionally close to people. A Massey University study strengthens this conclusion about sexual addiction, revealing that in surveys with more than 600 adults intimacy-related fears were repeatedly noted. The participants, who had problems with sexual addiction, also felt "threatened" by close personal relationships and went out of their way to keep people at an emotional distance.
Sexual addiction continues to gain recognition as celebrities come forward to share information about the problem, including golfer Tiger Woods. While treatment centers and research studies continue to increase nationwide and globally, experts still believe the problem is not viewed as seriously as conditions like drug or alcohol abuse, even though the consequences can be just as severe.
The phrase "sex addict" is now more than three decades old, typically accompanied by phrases like hypersexuality or sexual compulsivity. The complicated disorder of sexual addiction has received much less medical, psychological and scientific attention than it deserves, say many experts, because the problem affects millions of adults and can destroy careers, finances and families. People with sexual addiction may also be at higher risk for other conditions, like persistent depression.
An additional term used by experts to describe sexual addiction is "out-of-control sexual behaviors," or OOSCH. Because gaps exist in scientific research toward sexual addiction, so do gaps in treatment options, say psychologists and researchers.
Like other addictive behaviors, sexual addictions or hypersexuality can become more severe over time until the person loses their ability to control the behavior, despite the consequences. There is also a shame factor involved that prevents people from admitting the problem or seeking treatment – all related to misinformation about the causes and the nature of sexual addictions, say Massey University study researchers.
It is believed that around three to six percent of American adults are living with a form of sexual addiction or sexual compulsivity. Researchers hope that future studies will continue to change perceptions that people with sexual addictions are concerned or obsessed only with the act of sex, when in reality, they suffer from issues like low self-esteem and strong anxieties toward personal relationships.
Treatment can include residential programs, though few are currently in existence, or individual counseling by psychologists who specialize in sexual addictions. Several group-based counseling groups exist, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, which help participants reach a level of sexual sobriety.
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