Ask Aunt Edna
Matthew Tyson
Issue date: 1/28/10 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Dear Aunt Edna,
What qualifies someone as being a sex addict?
Dear Anonymous,
Whether or not sexual addiction is a real problem or disorder has been a topic of debate for some time. In fact, sexual addiction isn't even recognized as a disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). Despite this fact, there are many who possess the symptoms associated with being a "sex addict." Many psychologists and doctors say that sexual addiction is a real problem that can have a major impact on a person's life.
It should be noted that there is a difference between simply having a high sex drive and being a sex addict. I think it is important to discuss the differences between the two to better answer this question.
A sex drive is defined as the physiological need for sex. It's what makes us want to have sex with a partner. Those who have a high sex drive simply crave sexual activity more often. Just because someone has a great deal of sex does not make him or her a "sex addict".
The AllPysch Journal defines sex addicts as "those who engage in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self and to others." Unlike someone with a high sex drive, a sex addict uses sex and self-stimulation as a means of coping, just like alcoholism or different eating disorders.
According to AllPsych, it is the constant need for excitement and the conquest that takes the focus off the issue or pain. Sex addicts have an unusual obsession with sex and feel compelled to act out. Also unlike someone with a high sex drive, a sex addict usually doesn't get a lasting pleasure from sex. Satisfaction is short lived and they find themselves having to repeat sexual actions over and over. They also tend to lack an emotional bond with their partners. Their actions are also usually followed by feelings of guilt or shame. There are also certain behaviors associated with sexual addiction. These include compulsive self-stimulation, multiple affairs, multiple or anonymous partners, consistent use of pornography, unsafe sex, phone or cybersex, prostitution, exhibitionism, voyeurism and in severe cases sexual harassment and molestation or rape. Over 50 percent of sex addicts can find their problem rooted in their childhood, whether that be through some form of abuse, neglect or being introduced to sex in an inappropriate way.
Treatment for sex addiction varies. As all addiction's it starts when the person chooses to accept their problem. There are many different support groups and therapy sessions for sex addicts, as well as education on having a healthy sex life, rather than a sporadic one.
For more information about treatment and rehabilitation centers online visit saa-recovery.org/Meetings/UnitedStates/meeting.php?state=AL or call 1-800-477-8191
What qualifies someone as being a sex addict?
Dear Anonymous,
Whether or not sexual addiction is a real problem or disorder has been a topic of debate for some time. In fact, sexual addiction isn't even recognized as a disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). Despite this fact, there are many who possess the symptoms associated with being a "sex addict." Many psychologists and doctors say that sexual addiction is a real problem that can have a major impact on a person's life.
It should be noted that there is a difference between simply having a high sex drive and being a sex addict. I think it is important to discuss the differences between the two to better answer this question.
A sex drive is defined as the physiological need for sex. It's what makes us want to have sex with a partner. Those who have a high sex drive simply crave sexual activity more often. Just because someone has a great deal of sex does not make him or her a "sex addict".
The AllPysch Journal defines sex addicts as "those who engage in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self and to others." Unlike someone with a high sex drive, a sex addict uses sex and self-stimulation as a means of coping, just like alcoholism or different eating disorders.
According to AllPsych, it is the constant need for excitement and the conquest that takes the focus off the issue or pain. Sex addicts have an unusual obsession with sex and feel compelled to act out. Also unlike someone with a high sex drive, a sex addict usually doesn't get a lasting pleasure from sex. Satisfaction is short lived and they find themselves having to repeat sexual actions over and over. They also tend to lack an emotional bond with their partners. Their actions are also usually followed by feelings of guilt or shame. There are also certain behaviors associated with sexual addiction. These include compulsive self-stimulation, multiple affairs, multiple or anonymous partners, consistent use of pornography, unsafe sex, phone or cybersex, prostitution, exhibitionism, voyeurism and in severe cases sexual harassment and molestation or rape. Over 50 percent of sex addicts can find their problem rooted in their childhood, whether that be through some form of abuse, neglect or being introduced to sex in an inappropriate way.
Treatment for sex addiction varies. As all addiction's it starts when the person chooses to accept their problem. There are many different support groups and therapy sessions for sex addicts, as well as education on having a healthy sex life, rather than a sporadic one.
For more information about treatment and rehabilitation centers online visit saa-recovery.org/Meetings/UnitedStates/meeting.php?state=AL or call 1-800-477-8191
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