What Is Sex Addiction & Who Does It Effect?

What classifies an individual as a Sex Addict? Who does it effect? Sex Addiction refers to a phenomenon in which an individual, man or woman, looses control over their Sexual tendencies. It remains a phenomenon because Sexologists have yet to find hard facts on where the addiction stems from. There are many theories on the Sexual dependency, and many debate on whether or not it really does in fact exist. The so called addiction has not yet gained social acceptance either, so where does that leave those who feel they can not control their Sexual compulsiveness? Granted there are several counselors and experts that truly believe that Sex Addiction is literally an addiction. Other experts argue that it is an alternate form of OCD - (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Someone who could be labeled a Sex Addict, has an abnormally high sex drive. They generally deny that there is a problem and will usually make excuses for their erratic behavior. The addiction often creates major issues for those involved in personal, and intimate relationships. Behaviors associated with sexual addiction include:

* Compulsive masturbation
* Multiple affairs (extra-marital affairs)
* Multiple or anonymous sexual partners
* Continuous one-night stands
* Consistent use of pornography
* Unsafe Sex
* Phone or computer Sex (cybersex)
* Prostitution and/or the use of prostitutes
* Exhibitionism
* Obsessive dating through personal ads
* Watching others and/or stalking
* Sexual harassment
* Molestation/rape

The media has not exposed society to Sexual Addiction enough for this to be widely accepted and understood. Just as many other Sexual topics, men tend to be more socially accepted than woman. The fact remains for this topic as well. Would a woman who is "diagnosed" as a Sex Addict be accepted in society, the same as a man would? Many would argue that Sexually Compulsive men are treated differently than women with the same symptoms. What makes it acceptable for one Sex to carelessly sleep around time and time again, no matter how serious the consequences? Why are women continually targeted, and then labeled in Sexual topics? When will society accept the disorder as unisex? Either way you look at it, when you can not control your urges to have Sex, or masturbate to porn etc. you are a Sexually compulsive individual! Male or female the problem remains the same, and can result in the same consequences.

-Chantel Marie-