Sex addictions can include one or many unwanted behaviors related to excessive or unusual sexual urges leading to acting out. These urges can be anything from compulsive masturbation, addiction to pornography, public displays of genitalia to acting out with unwilling participants.

People who suffer from a sex addiction experience an overwhelming sense of powerlessness in the face of their compulsions. When they are not acting out they are fantasizing about doing so.

This inappropriate and singular focus on sex leads to profound consequences in other areas of the addict's life. Relationships suffer and often disintegrate, jobs are lost and there may be problems with the law. Often the addict struggles to stop but feels unable to do so. The sense of being overpowered by inappropriate urges leads to a growing sense of worthlessness, guilt and shame.

Fortunately there are several support organizations in place to help with recovery. Some of the most effective support programs are based on the original 12-step program. In order to participate the addict must openly declare that he or she suffers from an addiction. There must be a willingness to stop acting out, a desire to reach out to others who share the same challenge and the intention to seek a relationship with a higher power.

Education is another crucial element in the recovery process. The sex addict is statistically often abused as a child. There are consequently distorted ideas about sex there is also a lack of information about healthy sexuality. There is also a much higher potential for recovery if the partner or spouse is included in the therapy.
 

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