Misconceptions About Sex Addiction
Misconceptions about sex addiction are very common in our society. People often develop opinions on sex addiction based on their exposure to television and other types of media or through word-of-mouth conversations within friend groups.
It is important to outline the clear facts about sex addiction in order to allow struggling individuals to get the help they need as they recognize the consequences of their out-of-control sexual behaviors.
Common Sex Addiction Misconceptions
1. These people just have a high sex drive. It is not a sexual addiction.
It is true that some people enjoy a high frequency of sexual activity. However, many of these individuals’ sexual drives and appetites do not interfere with their daily life or relationships with their loved ones. Many people who have high sex drives are in monogamous relationships with positive intimacy.
Someone who suffers from out-of-control sexual behaviors arranges their daily life around their sexual compulsions. They often live a life of secrecy and may spend hours thinking, preparing, fantasizing and acting on their sexual impulses. As a result, their work, relationships and families suffer.
2. People who cheat in their relationships are sex addicts.
It is always damaging and painful when couples experience infidelities or affairs in their relationships. Even if a person has acted outside of the relationship one time or several times, he or she may not be a sex addict. It’s common for a hurt partner to grab at the label “sex addict” and project that on their partner out of resentment and anger. In this way, the betrayed partner justifies the issue to make sense of the trauma he or she is facing.
3. Sex addicts are only males.
While it is true that the majority of sex addicts are men, women also suffer from sex addiction. Increasingly, women are engaging in both Internet pornography and/or reckless promiscuity, often through the use of digital technology to connect with others in an attempt to fill a void or escape their emotional pain.
In recent years, a growing number of women have sought sex addiction treatment. Sometimes, these women initially attended therapy for relationship issues and ultimately found out they suffer from sex addiction. For many women, sex addiction stems from an underlying love addiction, which makes them feel dependent on the sexual partner and quick to seek approval and love.
4. Sex addiction is an excuse for something else.
A final misconception is that sexual addiction is the only explanation for unacceptable sexual behavior. In fact, it is not uncommon for people with sexually addictive behaviors to suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety, obsessive compulsion, bipolar disorder, depression and various other mental health issues. It is important for therapists to evaluate thoroughly for both mental health symptoms and out-of-control sexual behaviors. By implementing a holistic and individualized treatment approach, individuals who exhibit unhealthy sexual impulses, as well as other issues, can experience a well-rounded and resilient recovery from all of their painful symptoms.
Now that you are aware of sex addiction misconceptions, you may believe you or your partner could benefit from sex addiction treatment. If so, contact me now for a complimentary and confidential 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about my treatment program. I look forward to discussing your needs and answer any questions you may have about sex addiction treatment and how you can begin your journey. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (810) 964-5400 or via email at nvcase0911 (at) outlook.com.
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Being addicted to sex is the same as any other addiction in that you are only harmed by the secrecy. Hiding and delaying help will only keep you stuck. One of the best treatment methods for healing from sex addiction is safe, ongoing support.