Sex is a very pleasurable and special thing between two people who love each other or who are in some kind of sexual relationship. It is emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy the more you have of it the better and healthier your relationship strengthens.

Even though sex is even described by priests with conservative and religious beliefs as; “a beautiful thing created by god between husband and wife”, it can be dangerous when it becomes an obsession. As with alcohol, drugs, caffeine and other popular addictions; sex is also addictive and it is an addiction that can pose serious threats to your health, life and relationships.

Sexual addiction is a normal sex drive that we all as humans have but becomes obsessive leading to a point where the addicts behavior is reckless and out of control. The cause of sexual addiction also known as sexual dependency or sexual compulsivity is biological, psychological and spiritual. The addicts will feel some sense of fulfilling comfort, love and sense of security; sexual activities become an escape to reality the addict doesn’t share an emotional attachment to their partner. That feeling of excitement doesn’t last for the addict, it turns into a circle there’s more need for stimulation.

The addiction takes on many forms, from use of pornography and masturbation, adult movies and website, repeated sexual affairs, to buying prostitutes with all these forms done in secret. As with drug addicts the sex addict will become very good liars hiding this to those closest to them.

Studies prove that most sex addicts come from dysfunctional families; they’ve proven that 72% of sex addicts had been physically abused in childhood, 81% had been sexually abused and 97% emotionally abused. The research also showed that 87% of the addicts grew up in rigid, disengaged families where emotional needs where not met.

How do you know when you are sexually addicted?

It can take time for sex addicts to realize that they have a problem; it takes something serious losing a loved one or finding themselves in a dangerous situation like contracting a STI. One gains sexual obsession and fantasy as a primary coping strategy; an increased amount of sexual experience because the current level is of activity is no longer enough, severe mood changes around sexual activity, inordinate amounts of time spent in obtaining sex. A pattern of out-of-control behavior resulting to severe consequences, the addict finds it too difficult to stop despite adverse consequences.

If you have a sexual addiction it is important to recognize your problem first of all, and then do something about it. You can contact SA Sexual Health Association on 0860 100 262 for referral in your area.

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