Sexual Addictions

Sexual addiction affects three to six percent of Americans according to the National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. Sexual addiction is as destructive as alcohol and drug addiction. Similar to all addictions, sexual addiction sufferers continue their dangerous behavior and thought patterns despite progressively harmful consequences. Physical danger, emotional distress, financial woes and loss of family and loved ones are but a few of the consequences of sexual addiction. Other consequences of sexual addiction that involved life and death include AIDS risk and other very serious sexually transmitted diseases.

To understand sexual addiction it is important to understand what it means to have an addiction. Addiction is not simply a loss or unwillingness to exert willpower. Alcohol and substance addiction was classified as a disease by the American Medical Association over 30 years ago. It is no surprise that sexual addiction often goes hand in hand with other addictions such as drug or alcohol abuse. Addictions are about physical reactions and behaviors so it is not unusual to find individuals who are susceptible to addictions to suffer from multiple addictions.

Addictions are formed based on escaping anxiety and creating pleasure. Sexual addiction fulfills this criteria because sufferers often have obsessive thoughts about sexual gratification and compulsive behavior centered around the act. Obsessive thoughts mean a preoccupation with sex often to the exclusion of other thoughts. Thinking about sex during a business meeting, when spending time with the family and other situations where the focus is on a future sexual encounter instead of being in the important moment at hand.

Compulsive behavior is having to act out the obsession through dangerous behaviors. Losing the freedom to choose how to behave and sexual addiction sufferers will continue acting on their compulsions despite severe consequences.

If you or a loved one continues in engaging in compulsive sexual behavior despite health risks or loss of employment or a spouse, then sexual addiction is a reality and it is important to seek an addiction treatment center right away.

Spencer Recovery Centers has helped thousands of callers find the help they need. Spencer Recovery Centers is a resource hotline that can help direct you to treatment centers, outpatient rehabilitation clinics and support groups in your area. If you or a loved one is suffering from multiple afflictions such as sexual addiction and drug abuse, we can help with that too.

The call is confidential and free so do call today. Sexual addiction is always progressive unless treatment is sought. This means that it will continue to get worse. Seek help today. Call Spencer Recovery Centers to have your questions answered right away.