WHAT IS SEXUAL ADDICTION?

Sexual addiction is defined as the inability to limit or manage one’s sexual behavior. Sex addicts are preoccupied with sexual gratification, often to the detriment of other activities, such as work or parenting. This preoccupation makes it virtually impossible to have healthy personal relationships.

Individuals suffering from sexual addiction often engage in high-risk sexual acts despite the negative—and often dangerous consequences. Sex addicts tend to get little or no satisfaction from their sexual activity and have difficulty forming an emotional bond with their sex partners. Ultimately, this behavior leads to deep-seated feelings of guilt and shame.

Symptoms of Sexual Addiction include:

• Frequent and compulsive masturbation or self-stimulation
• Engaging in frequent sexual acts despite the negative and/or dangerous consequences
• Neglecting work and other responsibilities to pursue sexual gratification
• Compulsive use of pornography and cybersex
• Engaging in fantasy to avoid difficult real-life situations
• Feelings of restlessness and irritability when unable to engage in the desired sexual behavior.
• Engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or acts
• Engaging in exhibitionism, voyeurism or stalking

WHAT IS SEXUAL TRAUMA?

Sexual trauma is usually the result of sexual abuse. Victims of sexual trauma may suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, many victims of sexual trauma resort to substance abuse in an attempt to mask the pain of the traumatic experience. Sexual trauma can occur in both adults and children and usually results from:

• Rape
• Attempted rape
• Incest
• Unwanted sexual contact
• Sexual intimidation