Although it is not discussed as openly as alcoholism or drug addiction, sex addiction is a growing problem in today’s society. The taboo nature of sex makes it difficult for sufferers to reach out and get the help that they need. Women in particular find it difficult to admit to being addicted to sex, due to the stigma that has traditionally surrounded female sexuality. The statistics tell us though that 1 in every 3 sex addicts is a female. Often, sex addicts have experienced trauma earlier on life which they have never had the opportunity to heal from.
People struggling with a sex addiction fear being laughed at or labeled as ‘dirty’ if they admit their secret addiction. However, sex addiction is not a funny or dirty matter; it is a serious problem that has devastating impacts on the health, career and family life of the sufferer. The addict generally lives a double life which increases his or her feelings of shame, confusion, and depression. Despite the popular belief that sex addicts enjoy their addiction, sex addicts will tell you that there is no pleasure in being a slave to a compulsion so strong that it affects the body and mind as acutely as a drug. Despite the many negative consequences, sex addicts cannot control their sexual acting out any more than an alcoholic can control whether or not to drink. People struggling with sexual addiction will tell you that they do not get satisfaction or pleasure from their sexual activities. In fact, most sex addicts are actually addicted to the fantasy and planning part of the addiction and not to the sexual act itself.
Many sex addicts are in denial about their problem. Unlike other addictive substances, such as illegal drugs, sex is a regular and healthy part of life so it can be difficult to tell when normal desires are beginning to spill over into addictive behavior. The defining characteristic of sex addiction is an overwhelming compulsion to engage in sexual activities that interfere significantly with other aspects of life, such as family and work responsibilities.
Anyone who feels that an obsession with sex is taking over his or her life should seek help. Recovery from sex addiction is possible with support from other sex addicts and help from a qualified therapist.
