Sex addiction has been one of the least understood and least talked about of all addictions. Mostly, this has been due to society’s unwillingness to introspect and look at sexuality in an honest way. However, in the recent years, there has been a clear understanding of sex addiction and its effect on the addicted person. However, the idea of somebody getting hooked on sex is unsettling for many people. Many people will straight away deny their problem, and this is mainly influenced by our society’s behavior towards sex addicts.
Consistent Patterns of Sexual Behavior
Sex addicts are those individuals who engage in regular patterns of sexual conduct, regardless of any risks. This kind of behavior increases with time, and the problem continues to build, despite its adverse consequences for the affected person and others. These people become addicted to neurochemical changes which occur inside the body during any sexual behavior. However, many reports suggest that sex addiction is a common condition, and more than 18 million people worldwide suffer from it.
There are Several Forms of Sex Addiction
Sex addiction has several forms including sex with other partners, compulsive masturbation, sex with anonymous prostitutes, rape, sexual abuse of kids, inappropriate sexual touching, and multiple affairs outside of a committed relationship. The worst among them is childhood sexual abuse. It is said that about 58 percent of people who have sex addiction were abused by others during their infancy. This is a kind of recurring nightmare, and it hurts a lot, both for the addict and the sufferer.
Most sex addicts are shortsighted and have no idea of the kind of risks they are taking. They constantly feel that their life is out of control, and for dealing with this pain, the addicts may even resort to various other addictions such as eating disorders, abusive drugs, alcoholism, or other behavioral addictions. In some cases, suicide is also on the mind of the addict. This habit does not make a person worthless, but just hides his or her positive qualities and real personality.
Shy Away from Public Activities
Sometimes many sex addicts shy away from public activities that may enhance their level of arousal. Instead of this, they spend most of their time watching or reading pornography and eventually masturbating, which becomes a part of their activity. Sex addiction is progressive, and it only gets worse with time.
Some addicts even seek help for their sex addiction, but discontinue it when they find that it is not helpful. They realize the gravity of their problem but often counter it by thinking that they can handle it by themselves. Many feel that letting go of this addiction would mean saying goodbye to their sexual life forever.
Recovery of Sex Addiction
Recovery from sex addiction is not easy, and one may not reach the desired goal without professional help. However, in any case, the recovery follows a predictable path. To get on this route, it is essential for the sex addict first to understand their problem and then take steps to address this addictive behavior. It is necessary for a sex addict to learn the significance of his/herself as a human being, rather than being a mere sexual object.
