Originally posted in: http://www.prideinstituteflorida.com/our-weblog/your-sex-life-enjoyment-or-addiction.html
SEX! SEX! SEX!
Now that we got your attention…let’s talk about sex, shall we?
Sex, that three-letter word that infiltrates all our radio and TV shows, advertisements and even invades our water cooler discussions. Research has debunked the myth that men think about sex once every seven seconds, but what if your sexual thoughts, feelings or behaviors adversely affected your health, job, relationships or other parts of your life?
If sex drastically interferes with your life, you may have sexual addiction issues.
When it comes to addiction, most people automatically think of drugs and alcohol. It’s true that substance abuse is pervasive – studies have shown that up to 30% of the GLBT community is addicted to drugs. More often than not, sexual addiction follows on the coattails of other addictions. It’s not uncommon for a dual or even a triple diagnosis for various addictions to occur. Once you are susceptible to one addiction, it seems that you are susceptible to many others.
The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction, hypersexuality or sexual compulsion as “engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.” Here are some common traits of sexual addicts:
- Compulsive Masturbation
- Multiple Extra-marital Affairs
- Multiple Anonymous Partners or One Night Stand
- Consistent Use of Pornography
- Unsafe sex
- Prostitution or Use of Prostitutes
- Exhibitionism
- Obsessive Dating Through Personal Ads
- Voyeurism
- Sexual Harassment
- Rape or Molestation
Wait a minute, “I exhibit some of those traits. Does that make me a sexual addict?” No.
Sex addicts gain little satisfaction from their sexual activities and form no emotional bonds with their sex partners. In addition, feelings of guilt and shame are the overriding emotions associated with sex. Like most addicts, the inability to stop the behavior is the problem.
So if you feel that your sexual thoughts and behavior are out of control, if you feel that you have a compulsion that you can’t control, if sex has impaired your ability to maintain any type of relationship, seek help. The Pride Institute has treated and helped many overcome their addictions. Recovery starts with an admission while treatment begins with a call. Make the call today and take the first steps to living a life free of addiction.