Overcoming Sex Addiction
Overcoming Sex Addiction Can Be Extremely Difficult
Overcoming sex addiction comes with a lot of difficulties, but it is possible. All addictions come with a high level of stigma. Perhaps the most misunderstood and criticized of all is sex addiction, which many people do not believe to be a genuine addiction. Despite its inclusion in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD), sex addiction is not listed as a disease in the DSM-V. It is often perceived as an excuse for infidelity, but this is far from the truth, as it regularly affects people who are not in relationships. The consensus seems to be that between three and five percent of the US population is estimated to fit the criteria for some form of sex addiction.
Symptoms of Sex Addiction
Sex addiction is also known as ‘hypersexual disorder’ and is characterized by people spending so much time masturbating or pursuing sexual intercourse that other aspects of their life suffer as a consequence. The ICD refers to it as Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder and states that it is characterized by a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior.
Symptoms of sex addiction can include the following:
- engaging in repetitive sexual activities
- neglecting other aspects of health/life/personal care
- unsuccessful attempts to stop engaging in sexual behavior
- continuing to engage in the behavior despite significant adverse consequences
Sufferers often remain undiagnosed for fear of being branded as promiscuous. Overcoming sex addiction is similar to getting help for drug addiction in that many addicts put it off because they are ashamed of being judged. Some sex addicts attempt to pass their behavior off as a healthy sex drive, but the reality is that if untreated, it can negatively impact a person’s job, relationships, and social life and consume his or her every waking moment.
Internet Pornography
Sex addiction is believed to be on the rise. Addiction experts have warned that more adolescents, females, and senior citizens require sex addiction rehabilitation than ever before.
It’s likely that one of the reasons for this is the growth of internet pornography. Whereas previous generations had to risk embarrassment at X-rated books shops and film theaters, the internet has made pornography free, anonymous, and accessible, widening the range of people that look at it.
Although the vast majority of these people do not develop addictions, the current theory is that this exposure to sexual content is likely to trigger addictive behavior in those susceptible and act as a gateway to activities like paying for escorts or prostitutes.
Therefore, it can be said that starting to look at more and more internet pornography is an early sign of sex addiction.
Is Abstinence Possible?
One of the main problems people face when looking for effective sex addiction treatment is the difficulty of eliminating sexual behavior and desire. People who abuse drugs and alcohol can cut drugs and alcohol out of their lives for good, but for sex addicts, it’s far more complicated. Therefore, people suffering from sexual addiction need to learn to engage in sexual activity sparingly, which is easier said than done. Once they get a taste of sex, they often find themselves craving more. This fact can make overcoming sex addiction very difficult.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven to be one of the best methods for helping them to overcome their addictions. It helps to alter the way they think about sex and teaches them to moderate their sexual appetite so that it is at a manageable level.
Getting Help & Overcoming Sex Addiction
Many therapists focus on treating sex addiction, meaning that there is help available for those who are struggling and want help. There is also an organization known as Sex Addicts Anonymous that arranges sex addiction groups for recovering addicts so that they can help to keep each other accountable. Some people are too afraid of being judged to attend meetings in person, most notably female addicts, as there is more stigma surrounding sex addiction in women. For this reason, SAA provides the option to participate in meetings via phone or the internet, which is useful if sufferers feel that they are not ready to talk to people about their condition face to face.
SAA arranges men-only meetings, women-only meetings, and mixed meetings. Some members only feel that they can open up to members of the same sex, and others are worried that they might be tempted by members of the opposite sex. If you are suffering from sex addiction, just remember that it is a genuine addiction that requires treatment, irrespective of what people with little knowledge of the condition might believe. Overcoming sex addiction is possible.