03 Jun What is Sex Addiction?
The most insidious aspect of sex addiction is that it starts slowly. At first, sex is just a way to take your mind off your problems and cope with your emotions. Eventually, thinking about and having sex becomes the only way you know how to make yourself feel anything.
Everything else that mattered to you slowly fades into the background. So much of your life feels out of your control- your thoughts, your moods, your words, and your actions.
When the addiction is related to drugs or alcohol, the consequences are clear. Substance abuse puts your health at risk and may lead to legal problems. When sex becomes an addiction, it can be difficult to recognize the dangers until it is too late. Answering the questions “What is sex addiction?” and “Do I have one?” becomes complicated.
Sex addiction affects people from all walks of life. However, the disorder is poorly understood by many. Those suffering from sex addiction may not know where to turn for help. It is essential to learn how sex addiction affects individuals and their loved ones. Only by de-stigmatizing the condition will people be able to get the support they need.
Understanding Sex Addiction Means Knowing What It Isn’t
Misconceptions about sex addiction are harmful. Failing to understand what sex addiction is and isn’t can lead to pathologizing normal behaviors or normalizing addictive behaviors.
Sex Addiction Does Not Always Involve Promiscuity
Sex addiction is often conflated with promiscuity. While promiscuity is a sign of sex addiction, not every person with a sex addiction is promiscuous.
What is sex addiction outside of promiscuity? It is the use of sex or pornography to fulfill emotional and physical needs. Unlike promiscuity, where this need is always met through interactions with other people, sex addicts may use sexual images or videos to manage their urges. Compulsive sexual thoughts and urges to masturbate can both indicate an unhealthy relationship with sex.
Sex Addiction Is Not an Excuse
Sex addiction causes considerable difficulties in an affected individual’s relationships and interactions with other people. The person often feels compelled to hide their urges from their partners or people around them. Living a double life leads to all sorts of problems, including dishonesty and infidelity.
As sex dependency becomes more severe, it is more likely that people will engage in illicit behaviors to meet their extreme needs. This can include soliciting prostitutes, watching cam girls, sex parties or attending illegal sex shows.
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