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What is sex addiction?
The affected person will make sex, and all that surrounds the fulfilment of that goal, a priority despite associated negative consequences on both mental and physical health. The addiction can manifest itself in a number of ways, including a compulsive need to masturbate, view pornography or be immersed in sexually stimulating environments.
According to Dr Patrick Carnes, an American sex addiction expert and author of self-help book Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction, an estimated three to six per cent of the US population are facing problems linked to sex addiction, with approximately 20 to 25 per cent of those seeking help for sex addiction being women.
As well as the negative impact on daily activities and relationships, there are also risks to personal safety that emerge from the compulsive need for sexual partners, such as meeting up with strangers online and attending secret gatherings.
What are the symptoms of sex addiction?
- Chronic, obsessive sexual thoughts and fantasies
- Preoccupation with having sex, particularly when interfering with daily life (such as work and hobbies) and relationships with friends, family and colleagues
- Sexual relationships with multiple partners
- Deception in order to hide behaviour
- Onability to curb or control behaviours
- Putting oneself or others in danger due to sexual behaviour
- Feelings of remorse or guilt after having sex
- Experiencing other negative or professional consequences because of one’s sex life
“Just as a heroin addict chases a substance-induced high, sex addicts are bingeing on chemicals - in this case, their own hormones.”
Alexandra Katehakis
What are the treatments for sex addiction?
The number of tried-and-tested treatments for sex addiction are fairly limited due to a distinct lack of evidence-based research. That being said, there are various options for those who consider themselves to be addicted to sex.
One of the most popular approaches is the 12-step programme similar to the one seen in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups. Members of the group are encouraged to refrain from destructive and compulsive sexual behaviour, yet not entirely banishing sex from their lives altogether.
Another effective approach is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in which the affected individual identifies and works towards taking control of their sexual impulses. While this is usually achieved via one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist, it can also be done with the help of close ones or even through videos and books.
Medication is also an option, such as antidepressants, however, whether these are prescribed would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
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