In the past few years sex addiction has garnered lots of attention, mostly because of celebrities such as David Duchovny and Eric Bénet (Halle Berry's ex). While sexual desire and sexual activity is a natural, healthy part of life, sex addiction isn't.

The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) recognizes sex addiction as a sexual disorder not otherwise specified. It's also considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, some critics suggest that because there's no definition of, or criteria for, "normal" sexual behavior, sex addiction shouldn't be considered a disorder or disease.

However, health professionals and organizations - and some sex addicts - know that sex addiction can cause serious personal and relationship problems.

What is Sex Addiction?

The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH) defines sexual addiction as "a persistent and escalating pattern or patterns of sexual behaviors acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self or others." A person with a sex addiction feels compelled to repeatedly act out any of the following behaviors:

  • Cyber sex or phone sex
  • Exhibitionism
  • Masturbation
  • Multiple affairs
  • Multiple anonymous partners
  • Partner objectification
  • Pornography use
  • Prostitution
  • Sexual aversion
  • Simultaneous or repeated sequential affairs
  • Strip clubs and adult bookstores use
  • Unsafe sexual activity
  • Voyeurism

Consequences of Sex Addiction

When sexual thoughts and acts overwhelm your life, it's difficult to have a healthy intimate relationship. It can also affect your work life and other relationships. Sex addiction is linked to risk-taking, lying, and blaming others for your problems. Sex addicts are often in denial about the problems caused by their addiction - much like people who are addicted to drugs or gambling.

Sex addiction behaviors can harm you physically and emotionally. Many sex addicts feel anxious, guilty, or ashamed. Many are also afraid that their problem will be discovered, states the SASH.

Some sex addicts become involved in illegal activities or go into debt to support their habit. You're also at increased risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection.

Sexual Addiction Treatments

Treatment for sex addiction can be effective. But, the main obstacle is admitting that you have a problem and committing to treatment. The main focus of treatment is to control your addictive behavior and help you develop a healthy approach to sexuality. Several methods are used:

  • Twelve Step support programs conducted by trained therapists and through groups such as Sex Addicts Anonymous.
  • Individual, or relationship counselling, or both.
  • Intervention.
  • Prayer or spiritual counselling.
  • Medications used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders, such as Prozac and Anafranil.