Sex addiction: Is it real?

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Sex addiction: Is it real?
By Lucy Moore
Scene Sex Columnist

With the recent publicity surrounding Tiger Woods’ alleged sex addiction and the impending release of the 5th Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and its major reorganization of the sexual dysfunctions category, the debate about the existence of sexual addiction as a diagnosable mental disorder rages on. Although the American Psychological Association did not recognize sexual addiction in its publication of the DSM-IV-TR in 2000, reality show titles like “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew” keep the possible disorder alive in the media, at the very least.

Tiger Woods supposedly receives treatment for his “sexual addiction” at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Mississippi (according to the Huffington Post); similarly, Californication’s David Duchovny successfully completed his own sexual addiction treatment in October of 2008. With so many similar stories popping up in Hollywood, the upcoming DSM-V is purported to include “hypersexual disorder” to address Woods’ and Duchovny’s psychological ailments, as well as the claims of many others.

“Hypersexual disorder,” a term already accepted by the psychology community, attempts to define sexual addiction outside previous definitions, which relied on sexual predation, nymphomania, sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. Hypersexual disorder, in tune with the definition that comes from the sexual addiction therapist from “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,” Jill Vermeire, will instead look at elevated sexual desire of enough significance to contribute to personal problems, daily distress and even health issues. Like Victor Mancini in “Choke,” someone experiencing clinically valid hypersexuality finds him or herself unable to stop seeking out sexual gratification, even—and often—when social, personal, economic and physical risks are at stake.

But the consequences remain vague, keeping hypersexuality out of the category of various other clinical addictions (alcohol, drugs, kleptomania, gambling, etc). While many, like Dr. Drew, treat those affected by hypersexuality in a similar fashion to those addicted to drugs (banning masturbation, taking away phones that could engage a patient in illicit sexual conversations, etc.), the DSM-V will continue the academic tradition of separating hypersexuality from substance dependencies. Although hypersexuality does not involve known physical withdrawal symptoms mirroring those of substance dependencies, Vermeire and others point out its “emotional” withdrawal effects. While hypersexuality can be compared to our societal convictions defining “addiction,” it remains on its own as a disorder accompanied by its own struggles and recovery plans.

But under the label of hypersexuality, it seems sexual addiction does in fact exist. Whether or not Tiger Woods paints a relevant picture of sexual addiction, however, remains unclear. A line must separate being exceptionally desirous of sexual contact, and even seeking it, from being unable to control desirous thoughts, feelings and actions in a sexual capacity in a way that shapes and even transforms one’s life. Diagnoses of either sexual addiction or hypersexuality will continue to remain controversial, but as the problem grows, perhaps its empirical backing and our understanding of its nature and trajectory will be more clearly shaped.

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), formed in 1997, is one working organization pushing to adapt to this expanding affliction. Helping hypersexually afflicted individuals to achieve and remain “sexually sobriety,” the program, inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12 steps, has doubled in the last six years, according to the Detroit Free Press. SA’s 15 locations and booming membership show how sexual addiction and hypersexuality are significant emerging problems.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

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Sex Addiction

As sex addiction escalates, the addict addiction can result in harmful effects on his or her family. Sex addiction can be compulsive masturbation and extensive use of pornography to more extremes like exhibitionism, voyeurism, child molestation, and rape. It is said that 71% of child molesters are sex addicts.

It is not uncommon for sex addicts to have multiple partners. A sex addict is at high risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease and makes them a high risk for spreading such diseases by the multitude.

There are numerous treatment centers for drug and alcohol addictions, gambling, and eating disorders, but what about sex addiction. Sex addiction has only been looked at as an addiction for a short period of time. With all the scuttle butt about Tiger Woods it is coming to the head lines more than it ever has, so as unfortunate as the entire Tiger Woods story is, it may have a positive outcome with more emphasis being put on sex addiction treatment.

There is no way to tell right now what type of effect sex addiction treatment would do as far as lowering numbers of child molestations, rape, and disease control. But if it can protect one child, save one person from becoming a victim of rape, or stop one person from contracting a sexually transmitted disease that could kill them, isn’t it worth the effort to find out?

Some may question how or why a sex addict is a sex addict. It varies with each addict generally there are three factors that play into it – biological, psychological, and spiritual reasons.

Biological sex addict is someone who has conditioned their body to receive endorphins (brain chemicals) primarily through reinforcing a fantasy state with the ejaculation that provides these chemicals to their brain.

Psychologically sex addict uses sex to medicate or escape physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Spiritually, a person is filling up the God hole in them with their sexual addiction. The addiction is their spirituality; it comforts them, celebrates them, and is always available and present.

Sex addicts can develop from one or more of these factors and why a therapist is the best route to recovery so the factors playing a role into the addiction are addressed appropriately.

Researchers report that an individual’s sex addiction can also stem from a way of coping with daily life stressors – the higher the stress- the more the addict has to seek out relief through their sexuality. The individuals cannot always stop this addiction themselves.

Addictions come in many forms, substances, and actions. They all require the same intensive attention of treatment. Does this mean that all child molesters or rapist are sex addicts and with treatment can be cured? Personally, I do not believe all can be cured, or that all child molesters and rapist are sex addicts. However, if one individual with a sex addiction can be helped, think of those that can escape abuse by their addiction.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
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