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Sex Addiction
What is Sex Addiction?
Enjoying sex and having a high sex drive doesn’t mean you have a sex addiction. Neither does engaging in any specific sexual activity such as masturbating while watching or reading pornography mean you are addict either. However if you feel your sexual activity is out of control you may be have a problem.
A person with a sex addiction often engages in various forms of risk taking behaviours despite the potential for negative consequences. Usually this is seen as some kind of quick fix to alleviate or escape from distress, boredom, loneliness, anxiety and so on. Apart from damaging the addict’s relationships and interfering with their finances, work and social life, they also put themselves at risk of emotional and physical injury. There may even be legal ramifications to their risk taking behaviours.
As with most addictions there are uncontrollable urges and compulsive behaviours which are damaging to the addict, their partner, their family and others. Rarely after having sex or watching porn does an addict feel good, more often than not they feel shame and disappointment. If you recognise this in yourself or others then perhaps it;s time to seek help.
Despite living in such a highly sexualised society there is still a taboo around talking about sex or difficulties with sex. However recognising you are engaging in unhelpful and unhealthy behaviours and need support to manage better is a positive healthy sign.
Counselling can help you understand your sexual compulsion without feeling judged or criticised. Your therapist can help you explore your thoughts and feelings around sex, pleasure and intimacy. You can begin to regulate your feelings and manage your impulses better. Over time you can learn to associate sex in a more positive way, as something you do for pleasure to be intimate with another person rather than an escape or ‘high’.
If you would like more information on sex addiction, or if you would like to arrange a private and confidential appointment then contact Sentient Counselling though the contacts page.
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This article was written by sentientcounselling