Does David Letterman Need Sex Addiction Therapy?

David Letterman is suspected of having sexual relationships with at least eight women who have worked on CBS’ "The Late Show" over the years, according to insiders. The exploits made him the alleged target of a $2 million extortion scheme by 48 Hours producer Robert Halderman.

VH1 to Air “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew”

VH1 has announced a new documentary show featuring their resident doctor, Dr. Drew Pinsky. "Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,” which premiers on November 1, will focus on those suffering from sexual addiction.

David Duchovny Can’t Talk Openly About Sex

David Duchovny says he can’t talk openly about sex anymore after checking into rehab in 2008 for sex addiction.

Russell Brand’s Ex-Girlfriend Reveals Details of His Sex Addiction

According to a British tabloid, actor and comedian Russell Brand—who admitted his addiction to sex in his memoir—sent his model girlfriend out shopping with his mother while he engaged in a threesome with a fan and a stripper.

Christy Peterson, 22, was devastated when Brand admitted his act. She reportedly told a friend, “Russell told me he loved me but he needed to have other women to remain sane. He said it was a chemical imbalance in his brain—it was like a handicapped person needing a wheelchair.”

David Duchovny and Sexual Addiction

By Leslie Thompson

In a society where there always seems to be a distinction between the “haves” and the “have nots,” there is one element in life that doesn’t discriminate: addiction. Late last summer, actor David Duchovny voluntarily admitted himself into a rehab facility for sex addiction, prompting a worldwide media frenzy filled with questions, assumptions, and gossip.

Questions such as, “Does sex addiction even exist?” and “Isn’t that just an excuse for someone who’s having multiple affairs?” circulated for weeks following Duchovny’s announcement. However, it is important to understand that sex addiction is a serious disorder that affects an estimated 18 to 24 million Americans. For Duchovny, publicly acknowledging his problem was the necessary first step in a long journey toward recovery.

So what exactly is sex addiction? It is best defined as a progressive intimacy disorder whereby the individual has an intense sexual drive and compulsion with sex. Like other addictions, the longer the disorder remains untreated, the greater the impact the addiction has on an individual. Sex addicts become so absorbed in their own sexual desires and feelings that the obsession negatively impacts other areas of their lives, such as their relationships with their family and friends.

Shortly after Duchovny checked into rehab, reports started circulating—and were later confirmed—that he and his wife of 12 years, Tea Leoni, had separated. Although the reasons behind the separation were never made public, it came as no surprise as sexual addiction has a history of destroying relationships. In fact, it is estimated that pornography is a significant factor in two out of three divorces, and 47% of married couples say pornography is a problem in their marriage. Although Duchovny denied having an affair, extra-marital affairs are also quite common with sex addicts.

How does one become addicted to sex? Most therapists would agree that reasons behind an addiction vary from person to person but that generally speaking, the three main reasons stem from biological, psychological, and spiritual issues. For the “biological” addict, the individual becomes accustomed to experiencing the endorphins and enkephlines released during sexual activity. The “psychological” addict uses sex as a way to mask other problems in their life, such as anxiety or stress. The “spiritual” addict replaces conventional religions with their addiction, so their addiction provides a form of spirituality.

There are several different types of treatment plans for sexual addiction, one being an in-patient treatment center like the one Duchovny checked into. Twelve-step programs, group and/or family therapy, and one-on-one therapy sessions are other successful treatment options.

No matter what addiction you or someone you love may be dealing with, it needs to be treated. For sexual addicts, treatment is aimed at showing how an individual can learn to control their sexual compulsion. For Duchovny, rehab may have paid off—his name is once again appearing in the headlines, only this time in the positive: After an extended separation, Duchovny and Leoni are back together.

Was David Carradine a Sex Addict?

When actor David Carradine’s body was found hanging by a rope in his Thailand hotel room, rumors instantly started swirling that he died from attempting autoerotic asphyxiation—cutting off oxygen to the brain to enhance sexual pleasure. The rumors were strengthened when news was released that Carradine’s wrists and genitals were also bound. Shortly thereafter, photos printed in a Thai tabloid showed the actor wearing what appeared to be fishnets and a wig, with women’s lingerie lying on a nearby bed.

Celebrity Sex Addiction: Is It Hype or Reality?

In 2008 David Duchovny was the star of Californication – a fitting title for a show starring a man who would later announce he was going to rehab for sex addiction. His openness about the issue may have elicited a few giggles, but in reality he put the media spotlight on what is a problem that impacts an estimated 16 million people in the United States.