Overcoming Sex Addiction

Sexual addiction is a term used to explain a form of hypersexuality. Sex addiction is defined as strong sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviors that are sometimes out of the person's control. This condition is often associated with a lowered sexual inhibition which can be further affected by alcohol and drugs. There is a common misconception that sex addicts become sexual offenders, and this isn't necessarily true. The addiction doesn't necessity progress further than excessive pornography and masturbation, but there are definitely cases of child molestation and rape. Although these cases are low, they don't necessarily happen just because the person is a sex addict. There is still some debate between sexologists whether or not sexual addiction is an actual addiction. Some will argue that people engage in high risk activities such as rape and molestation because of an underlying need for power. There are others that believe that an actual psychological condition exists. Regardless of the debate, there are several methods for overcoming this addiction, depending on its severity.

Signs & Behavior

Sexual addiction, like any other addiction, is associates with certain characteristics, signs and behaviors. If you suspect someone has a sexual addiction, you should try to make them aware, and offer help. Sexual addiction can make it hard for the person to engage in healthy relationships on a personal level and to work in normal environment. Sex addicts have a different way of thinking. Like other types of addictions, sexual addicts justify and rationalize their behavior. Often times this includes blaming other people for their actions or problems, rationalizing for their problems, or even denying that they actually have a problem.

Risk taking is one of the most common signs of sexual addiction. The person may engage themselves in many different types of sexual activity. This is done despite the fact that the action might have dangerous or negative consequences in the end. Having a sexual addiction can interfere with the person's personal and professional life, while also putting them at risk for physical and even emotional harm. At times illegal activities might happen, such as making illicit phone calls, exposing themselves in public or even molestation.

There are certain behaviors that can be observed as well in a sex addict, such as:

• Multiple extra marital affairs

• Excessive masturbation

• Unsafe sex with multiple sexual partners (they are often one night stands)

• The consistent use of pornography

• Cybersex through the computer or phone

• The use of prostitutes, or prostitution

• Watching others, or stalking them

• Sexual harassment

• Exhibitionism

• Obsessive dating through personal ads

• Rape or molestation

When someone is a sex addict they do not form an emotional bond to a person, and they tend to gain little, if any long-term satisfaction from the sexual activity that they perform. Sex addiction tends to lead into feelings of shame and guilt, and the addict tends to have lack of control over their behaviors. The behavour continous despite the fact that the consequences can to their emotional, social, financial, and even health status, can be severe

Consequences

Sexual addiction comes with consequences, just like any other addiction. However, the addict will still continue to do the behaviors to satisfy the addiction regardless of how severe negative consequences are. The consequences can include, but are not limited to:

• The loss of intimacy with any other person - the bond between the two people will not be there. As the addiction grow, it leaves false messages in the addict's mind which will have a negative impact on the way the person holds relationships. Addicts tend to perceive sex in a completely different way.

• The tendency to act out on a whim. Once the urge can no longer be satisified, the behavior will then be taken to the next level. This can start with excessive porn and could lead to an affair. It has the rare potential of transforming to molestation or rape of another person.

• Addicts can lose their jobs because their addiction gets in the way of functioning in a normal job setting. They may also get into financial trouble for using their money for pornography, sexual toys and products, or even prostitutes.

• Sex addicts can be arrested for certain acts such as exposing themselves in public, molestation, stalking, harassment, or rape. Their need to satisfy their urges leads them to commit to more risk taking behavior.

• Health problems can occur in an addict because of their several sexual encounters. This is mostly sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, HIV, herpes, and others. Since an addict tends to take risks impulsively to satisfy their addiction, safe sex may not always be practical. Unwanted pregnancy is also a potential consequence.

Treatment

The majority of sex addicts are in denial about the fact that they have a sexual addiction. Being able to treat the person as dependent upon his / her willingness, acceptance and admittance of the addiction. The sex addict must be aware that they have the problem before it can be fixed. A lot of times the person will not realize that they have an addiction until a big event or loss occurs such as a divorce, getting fired from a job, a health crisis, or an arrest.

The treatments that are available to a sex addict are used to treat and control theunwanted behavior. Treatment focuses on helping the person develop and establish a healthy sexuality. Most treatments are the 12 step program, similar to how an alcoholic going through rehab. It focuses on educating the addict about health sexuality and the problem that they face. There are options for having individual counseling as well as having family and couple counseling. Medications might also be prescribed to treat any obsessive compulsive disorders that the person has. This helps to overcome the urges the addict has to do the sexual acts. The drugs that are prescribed can include, Anafranil or Prozac.

Recovery Programs

• Sex Addicts Anonymous:Information on the largest and most well known support groups out there for sex addiction.

• Sexual Compulsives Anonymous: Information on another great, but less known support group for sex addicts to join and help each other through this difficult process.

• Sexaholics Anonymous:A support group where men and women going through the same addiction can share their experiences, get support and help, while being able to get through the addiction together.

• Sexual Recovery Anonymous:Links to support groups in your area where people can get together and overcome their addiction.

Additional Links:

• Sexual Addiction: Learn more about the concept of sex addiction, and what plays a major role in having the condition.

• Can Sex be an Addiction?: Get this, and many other questions like it answered at this website. Find out if you're a sex addict by taking a quick quiz.

• Overcome Sex Addiction: Find out the many methods out there to help you overcome and win this hard battle with sex addiction.

• Pure Intimacy: Website and support program designed for women that need help overcoming sex addiction.