Is there a sex addiction?
There is some controversy about what sexual addiction is and whether it really exists. Many experts believe that sex addiction is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of basic problems.
If you start smoking, regardless of your psychological state or lifestyle, you will probably become addicted. It's the same with gambling.
However, most adults who are sexually active watch stimulating material such as pornography without becoming addicted.
Healing usually involves developing a healthy, happy sex life for that person, and then finding a way to achieve that.
Symptoms of sexual addiction
Addiction comes in all shapes, sizes, genders, ages (from teens onwards) and from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Sex addiction is not strictly related to certain behaviors, thoughts, or necessarily related to frequency.
Sex addiction is not a matter of a certain behavior, thought or frequency with which we indulge in something - it is not about someone having only a high libido.
So, someone can visit porn sites, be bland or have an affair with not feeling out of control.
You may be surprised to hear that some people I know are known as “rocks” for friends and family; they always have advice, provide support and are great in crises.
But they usually cannot meet their needs, are prone to black-and-white thinking, have low self-esteem, find it difficult to express their feelings, and share love and sex.
Is there a sex addiction?
There is some controversy about what sexual addiction is and whether it really exists. Many experts believe that sex addiction is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of basic problems.
If you start smoking, regardless of your psychological state or lifestyle, you will probably become addicted. It's the same with gambling.
However, most adults who are sexually active watch stimulating material such as pornography without becoming addicted.
Healing usually involves developing a healthy, happy sex life for that person, and then finding a way to achieve that.
Symptoms of sexual addiction
Addiction comes in all shapes, sizes, genders, ages (from teens onwards) and from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Sex addiction is not strictly related to certain behaviors, thoughts, or necessarily related to frequency.
Sex addiction is not a matter of a certain behavior, thought or frequency with which we indulge in something - it is not about someone having only a high libido.
So, someone can visit porn sites, be bland or have an affair with not feeling out of control.
You may be surprised to hear that some people I know are known as “rocks” for friends and family; they always have advice, provide support and are great in crises.
But they usually cannot meet their needs, are prone to black-and-white thinking, have low self-esteem, find it difficult to express their feelings, and share love and sex.