SEX ADDICTION – Sex addiction is a serious concern for society. It is also gaining awareness following Tiger Woods’ press conference in which he discussed sexual addiction. Experts estimate that 8% of men and 3% of women are affected by sex addiction. Individuals inaccurately believe that sex addiction is not a real addiction. However, sex addiction is dangerous and affects individuals and their families as alcohol and drug addiction. Sex addiction is defined as persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite negative consequences to self and others (National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 2010).
To bring greater awareness of this condition, the indicators of sexual addiction will be listed below.
Indicators of Sexual Addiction:
The person with sex addiction uses sex as a quick fix, or as a form of medication for anxiety, pain, loneliness, stress, or sleep. Sex addicts often refer to sex as their "pain reliever" or "tension reliever." Other indicators that sexual behavior may be out of control include:
• an obsession with sex that dominates one's life, including sexual fantasies that interfere with work performance
• excessive time devoted to planning sexual activity that it interferes with other activities or strong feelings of shame about one's sexual behavior
• feelings of powerlessness or inability to stop despite predictable adverse consequences
• inability to make a commitment to a loving relationship and/or extreme dependence upon a relationship as a basis for feelings of self-worth
• little or no genuine emotional satisfaction or attachment gained from sexual encounters
A.C.T. is committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding sexual addiction and the need for early intervention and treatment. A.C.T. will provide information on sexual addiction to promote public education. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or http://www.a4ct.com.
