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Sexual Addiction: An Overview
Posted under Sexual Addiction on Sunday, January 15th, 2012
You’ve most likely seen sexual addiction depicted in television shows and movies. The addict’s behavior usually garners a chuckle or two and then the character overcomes his or her predicament and all is well. However, like any other addiction, sexual addiction is no laughing matter. Sex addiction, or “sexual compulsion,” refers to an unusually intense sex drive and uncontrollable sexual behavior. The addict becomes overly obsessed with sex, so much so that it negatively impacts other areas of their life including work, relationships, and mental and physical health.
Sexual addiction is generally regarded in one of two ways—the first theory is that it is addiction, like that of drugs or alcohol, where a state of euphoria or a “high” is experienced; the other is that it is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However it is defined, sex addiction is considered a progressive illness, meaning that the addictive behavior intensifies the longer it goes untreated. Experts believe an estimated three to six percent of Americans are battling some form of sexual compulsion.
Signs and symptoms of a sexual addict may start innocently enough with excessive masturbation, obsessive use of pornography, or partaking in sex phone services. As the disorder develops, the severity of the symptoms increases. Addicts may compulsively date, engage in unsafe sex, and may have multiple or extra-marital affairs. These acts may not only harm the individual’s health, but can negatively impact their relationships with loved ones.
In the most severe cases, a sex addict will engage in illegal acts such as voyeurism, prostitution, molestation, or even rape. Although not all sex addicts become sex offenders and vice versa, it is estimated that 55 percent of convicted sex offenders have a sexual addiction. Interestingly, a person with sexual addiction generally doesn’t receive pleasure or satisfaction from the sexual act. Instead, they often use sex as an escape from other problems such as stress, depression, or anxiety. Many sex addicts have experienced some form of sexual or verbal abuse in their lives that has contributed to their compulsion.
Even though research on sexual addiction is growing, there are skeptics who claim the condition is not a “real” addiction. Many critics believe sexual compulsion is a narcissistic act and a byproduct of society—nothing more. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has yet to include the diagnosis in its compendium of mental disorders although it does include a miscellaneous diagnosis for sexual disorders.
Treatment for sexual addiction may prove tricky at first because many individuals with this disorder feel embarrassed and shameful, making it difficult for them to acknowledge that they have a problem. Once an individual admits they have an addiction, their recovery follows a similar plan to those of other addictive and behavioral treatments. Patients are encouraged to become involved in group therapy, a 12-step program, and one-on-one therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Medication may also be prescribed. The goal behind the therapy is for the patient to learn how to control their compulsive behavior while maintaining a healthy sexual lifestyle.
Overcoming any type of addiction is highly challenging and sexual addiction is no exception. Under the guidance of a physician or clinical therapist and by having the willingness to change, any individual dealing with this addiction can be treated.
