Sexual compulsivity or addiction involves a normally enjoyable sexual behavior, which becomes an obsession. Sex or thoughts of sex dominate thinking, making it difficult to manage sexual behavior or engage in healthy relationships. A person becomes addicted to the neuro-chemical changes that occur in the body during sexual behavior. Individuals may engage in distorted thinking, often justifying, rationalizing, and blaming others for their behavior. Lack of control over compulsive sexual behavior or thoughts can lead to serious consequences similar to chemical addiction. Shame, low self-esteem, depression, hopelessness, despair, anxiety, moral conflict, and fear of abandonment often occur as the result of sexual compulsivity.
Although the definitions of sexual addiction vary, examples of compulsive or addictive sexual behaviors may include:
- Internet pornography
- Compulsive masturbation
- Multiple affairs or partners
- Anonymous sex
- Use of prostitutes/massage parlors
- High-risk sex
- Sexual anorexia
- Cyber/phone sex
In addition, behaviors of those with sexual compulsivity or addiction include using sexual behavior to avoid feelings of anxiety, loneliness, anger, self-hatred, as well as joy, or using sex to feel validated and complete. Sexual compulsives may seek people who are unavailable or develop unhealthy dependency relationships. Generally, little satisfaction is gained from the sexual activity, and no emotional bond is formed with his or her partners.
Since chemical addiction and sexual compulsivity/addiction are closely linked, the likelihood of relapse increases dramatically if both issues are not addressed during the treatment process. Talbott Recovery’s Dual Addiction Treatment Program meets the treatment needs of this unique population.
Helpful Resources
Patrick Carnes et al.,
- In the Shadows of the Net: Breaking Free from Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior (2007)
- The Betrayal Bond (1997)
- Don't Call It Love: Recovery From Sexual Addiction (1992)
- Sexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self Hatred (1992)
- Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction (2001)
Mark R. Laaser et al., Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (2004)
American Assoc. for Marriage and Family Therapy, Family Therapy Magazine, Sexual Compulsivity Issue, Jan./Feb. 2010
Robert Weiss, Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men (2005)
Kelly McDaniel, Ready to Heal, (2008)
Charlotte S. Kasl, Women, Sex and Addiction (1990) |
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