Sexual Addiction is a term that has been made popular by the press. Stories of celebs attributing their out of control behaviour to a sexual addiction seem to emerge with ever increasing frequency since Michael Douglas first admitted publically to having a problem. Since then we have read with interest about the likes of Tiger Woods, Russell Brand and so the list goes on. But what is sexual addiction - is it a confirmed sexual disorder or just an excuse for bad behaviour? I have recently graduated from a comprehensive ten month training course with Dr Thaddeus Birchard - Clinical Director of the Marylebone Centre in the Harley Street area of London where he has been the pioneer for treatment programmes for men with sexual addiction. I am convinced that sexual addiction is a very real problem which can put the sufferer at risk of a whole host of harmful consequences such as loss of their intimate relationship and family, loss of job and in some cases may even result in arrest or have legal consequences.
Sexually compulsive behaviour can incorporate a whole host of activities which were once under control, but which may have escalated quite quickly into something which now feels 'out of control'. For example, the use of internet pornography or chat rooms when accessed for excessive amounts of time during which the user feels unable to curtail the activity despite wanting to stop. This could be an addiction -particularly if the user risks losing his/her marriage/job etc. Even compulsively entering into one relationship after another, perhaps embarking on several affairs one after the other or simultaneously, can be a form of addiction. Then there is the use of massage parlours and paid sex workers, costly telephone sex, high risk sexual encounters with strangers… the behaviour becomes a problem if it is causing the person engaging in it, distress or shame, or is putting their health, family or job at risk.
If you are not sure whether you are a sex addict, then I can offer an assessment which will enable you to determine whether you want to seek further help.