Dr. Patrick Carnes defines sexual addiction as any sexually-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment.
Sexual addiction has been called sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict’s life. Sexual addicts make sex a priority more important than family, friends, and work. Sex becomes the organizing principle of addict’s lives. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior.
Dr. Patrick Carnes estimates three to six percent of the population are facing sexual addiction. It remains unclear whether one gender has a higher incidence of sexual addiction than the other. Research by Dr. Carnes shows that approximately 20 – 25% of all patients who seek help for sexual dependency are women. (This same male-female ratio is found among those recovering from alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and pathological gambling.)
Source: www.SexHelp.com
Robert Weiss, MSW, defines Sexual Addiction as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex; pornography; compulsive masturbation; romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for a period of at least six months.
By definition, this obsessive pattern of thoughts and behaviours will continue despite:
- Genuine attempts made to self-correct problematic sexual behaviour.
- Heartfelt promises made to self and others toward changing sexual behaviour.
- Significant, directly related, relationship consequences (e.g. reputation, hurt S/O, separation/divorce).
- Emotional and physical health concerns (e.g. depression, shame, injury, STIs, ED).
- Employment and financial problems (e.g. loss of job, lower productivity, debt).
- Legal consequences (e.g. illegal activity, arrest, a record).
