Sex addiction is an obsession with sex. Sexual thoughts tend to occupy a sex addict’s consciousness and the addict exhibits distorted sexual thinking. Sex addiction can be considered a disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts and similar to all addictions, the disorder will progress. Sex addiction is also associated with risk-taking in various forms of sexual activity, regardless of the dangerous consequences. Sex addiction can damage relationships, work and social life, and in some cases it may involve illegal activities.
The sex addict’s daily activity often consists of compulsive masturbation or the extensive use of pornography. Sex addiction can involve exhibitionism, voyeurism, obscene phone calls, child molestation or rape. It has been estimated that 75% of convicted child molesters are sex addicts.
The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity’s definition of sex addiction is “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.” That definition sums up the conclusion that sex addicts persist in certain sexual behaviors despite the possibility of health risks, financial problems, shattered relationships and arrest. Sex addiction can also involve searching for multiple partners or an unnatural fixation on unattainable partners.
The obsessive compulsive behaviors that characterize addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling are also present in sex addiction. Unfortunately, our current technological society has created a situation where more people are engaging in phone sex, escort services and online pornography every day. While we can live normal lives without gambling, drugs or alcohol, sex is different. Sex is part of human natural life and as such, becomes a very complex problem to solve when it comes to addiction.
Although some people may choose to be celibate or their celibacy may stem from cultural or religious reasons, the human race does have a strong natural desire for sex and a chronic lack of interest in sex can also be a medical or psychiatric problem!
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