Sex addiction
Sex is a powerful driving force, and for some people it becomes an all pervading preoccupation which can lead to dangerous behaviours and life threatening habits. Like any source of pleasure, sex can become
addictive, in which case it becomes distorted and is used as a means of escape from the problems of everyday life. Like all
addictions it becomes self perpetuating, participation in the act becoming necessary as a way of avoiding the overwhelming sense of shame, remorse and guilt. Rather than deal with the problem, fantasising about the next or some past
sexual activity leads to a feeling of comfort and encourages the sufferer to proceed to turn the fantasy into reality.
How do I know if I have it?
The consequences of this addiction are many, from social rejection to
suicide. Many sufferers are
arrested and
imprisoned without being offered help. They may have hurt others in their pursuit of the addiction and are overcome by remorse and guilt. Those who are closely connected to them suffer grievously either directly or indirectly and share in the growing sense of hopelessness and helplessness which can often lead to suicide. Help is available and many sufferers do manage to find a way forward which can help restore them to normal functioning and heightened self worth. As with other
addictions, success follows an honest admission of the problem and the seeking of help from others who understand the nature of the problem and will not seek to judge them. There is a questionnaire on this web site that will help you decide whether you need to seek help.
Can it be cured?
Treatment is available at the facilities listed in the Getting Help and Web Link sections of this site.
