What Is Sexual Addiction?

Sexual addiction became a hot topic in the wake of Tiger Wood’s infidelity scandal. During the 2010 Masters in Augusta, Georgia, a man paid for an airplane to fly a message over the course that said “Sex Addict? Yeah. Right. Sure. Me Too!” Another message said “Did You Mean Bootyism?” in reference to Tiger Woods’ proclamation that he was turning to Buddhism to cope with his sexual issues.

Mocking the concept of sexual addiction is not uncommon. To many people, all men are simply sex-obsessed beings who think of little else. But, sexual addiction is a very real condition that affects men (and women), something completely different from the most robust healthy male libido.

So, what are the traits of a sex addict, as opposed to someone who just loves having sex? The most basic attribute is the inability to stop a sexual behavior, even if it will hurt you or a loved one.

“There was that selfish needy, lonely, angry part of myself that didn’t want to stop and saw that sex was my solution to other things,” says sex addict Mark Laaser. He is a stark example of how gripping the addiction can be. Even though Laaser is a minister and counselor, he had his own uncontrollable addiction. His inappropriate sexual behavior started at the early age of 11, when he stole Playboy magazines a local drugstore.

Here is a list of behavior that could indicate that you or someone you know is a sex addict:

- Compulsive masturbation
- Multiple extra-marital affairs
- Having anonymous sexual partners, and one-night stands
- Consistent use of pornography
- Phone or computer sex (cybersex)
- Using prostitutes
- Exhibitionism
- Voyeurism (watching others) and/or stalking
- Being guilty of sexual harassment
- Molestation or rape

Since sexual addiction is still not accepted by some people as legitimate, many people suffer with their addiction in anonymity, never seeking treatment. Next week, we will discuss what types of treatments are used for sex addicts.