Sexual Addiction Defined

Sexual addiction is the compulsive attempt(s) to meet legitimate emotional needs through some means of sexual activity. A sex addict has repeatedly tried to stop the behavior(s), but is unable to do so.

Sexual addiction can take on many forms behaviorally. It can manifest itself through pornography, incest, child porn, rape, bestiality, compulsive masturbation, and on and on. The reason sexual addiction cannot be boiled down into one particular behavior is because the addiction really isn't about sex in and of itself.

Those who struggle with sexual addiction are really fighting deeper inner battles. These battles simply express themselves through unhealthy compulsive sexual behaviors. This is why sexual addiction is so frustrating. Sex addicts want to stop the behavior but because they do not recognize that the addiction is not about behavior they continue to spiral deeper and deeper into it's grip.

The deeper issues of sexual addiction may be:

These are only a sampling of possible elements that shape a person's sexually addictive patterns. For more information about this, see some of our book resources. When we experience life situations that do not meet our legitimate emotional needs we are susceptible to seeking relief in pornography or other sexually soothing activities. Sex addicts simply want escape from their pain.

There is much more to sexual addiction than what meets the eye. And it is a powerful addiction that can destroy our lives if we do not find a way to escape it. If you, or someone you love, are struggling with sexual addiction, please contact us for help.