What Is Sexual Addiction?
Sexual addiction is defined by individuals reporting being unable to manage their sexual behavior. Sex and the thought of sex tend to dominate the sex addict's thinking making it difficult to be emotionally present.
Recovery Is Now!
We believe that sex addiction is not the main issue but rather a symptom of deeper issues and that the real work is to resolve the pain/trauma that you or a loved one has been numbing, medicating or hiding from.
Featured Articles
Sex After Sexual Abuse
"Am I Normal?": She was assaulted in a past relationship. Now she wants to know how to find pleasure again
I'm a straight woman. My sex question pertains to having pleasurable sex after experiencing ongoing sexual abuse within the context of a past relationship. The abuse took place years ago, but now when I have sex (which is rare), my mentality is always "please let this be over," even though it is not at all painful.
Read MoreSexual Dependency vs. Other Addictions
Sexual addiction can be understood by comparing it to other types of addictions. Individuals addicted to alcohol or other drugs, for example, develop a relationship with their "chemical(s) of choice" – a relationship that takes precedence over any and all other aspects of their lives. Addicts find they need drugs merely to feel normal.
Read MoreWhat is Addiction Video
Dr. Patrick Carnes explains when specific activities are used to cope with stress and pain, the structure of the brain is altered.
