The relatively recent public exposure regarding the serial adultery of Tiger Woods and American TV personality Jesse James has brought to the attention of our country’s awareness one of the more hidden, compulsive human behaviors: sex addiction.

Dr. Patrick Carnes, among the world’s primary experts and a pioneer in areas of sexual addiction and recovery, defines sex addiction as just about any sexually-related, uncontrollable activity that interferes with normal living and causes considerable difficulties for family, friends, and in one’s professional environment.

Sex addiction is a progressive intimacy disorder typified by compulsive sexual thoughts and behaviors and is often equated with being addicted to cocaine on account of very similar neurochemical activities in the human brain and the all-consuming, adverse effects it produces on one’s life.

Like other addictions, sexually addictive behaviors usually intensify with time in order for the addict to achieve equivalent gratification, and the harmful|destructive repercussions of the behaviors — for both the addict and those around them — rise proportionately.

In spite of this, in contrast to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, or various other addictive behaviors, sex is required for human survival. Despite the fact that some individuals are celibate, for the most part well-balanced individuals enjoy a strong libido. Actually, too little need for sex can signal a health issue or psychiatric illness.

While it has been determined that close to five percent of the population are sex addicts, that figure is most likely significantly larger as a consequence of the accessibility, affordability, and privacy the Internet provides to sexual encounters and experiences.

For many sex addicts, uncontrollable sex-related behaviors rarely go beyond pornography, masturbation, and using phone or Internet sex services. In spite of this, it’s not necessarily uncommon for sex addicts to get interested in higher-risk and often criminal pursuits like exhibitionism, voyeurism, and prostitution.

At the same time society has witnessed a drastic increase in people participating in unusual or illicit sexual activities, such as the use of phone sex, online pornography, and escort agencies, more and more of the individuals involved in these types of activities, as well as their loved ones, are getting professional support.

How can you tell if you or someone you care about is struggling with sex addiction?

While a lot of the warning signs associated with sex addiction are not very different when compared to the symptoms associated with other sorts of addictive behaviors, certain indicators will be more distinct.

If you find you or your partner exhibits any of the following behaviors, consider getting the help of a sex addiction counselor:

• Difficulty resisting sexual urges
• Avoidance of regular, daily activities as a result of sexual obsessions
• Constantly thinking about sex
• Regular involvement in online chat room talk regarding sex
• Problems getting into the “mood” for sex without the use of pornography
• Pledges to halt sexual behavior only to ignore those promises
• A record of numerous extramarital affairs
• Sexual acts where there’s a perceived possibility of being found out
• Sexual acts in the face of a high possibility of contracting an STD
• A hidden sexual life
• Preoccupation with sex sites on the Web
• Increasing amounts of money spent on prostitutes and on-line sex

How to find assistance

Often, sex addicts are required to acquire professional help by a judge, or when the probability of divorce or other loss becomes imminent. This isn’t to say sex addicts aren’t aware they need help — they usually do. As with addictive behaviors as a whole, sex addicts are likely to have declared to themselves time after time that they’ll stop, but they’re unable to.

If you believe you or your partner needs assistance, contact a trusted member of the family, friend, clergy member, or a professional and ask them to assist you in getting professional treatment.

You can also locate addiction specialists by contacting local addiction treatment centers, by asking your primary care physician for recommendations, or by exploring the Web for sex addiction counselors and therapists in your area.

If you’re battling sexual addiction, admitting you need help and looking for professional assistance will not be easy. However, acknowledging you need assistance isn’t going to minimize all of the positive traits of your identity.

In the event you or someone you love is encountering any of the warning signs involved with sex addiction, there is hope. One can stop sexual compulsivity and sexually addictive behaviors. You can have a healthy love life and delight in genuine intimacy in your relationship.

Professional sex addiction counseling can help you out of the shadow of sexual addiction and sexual compulsivity and move into recovery and a healthier, happier life.

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