Addiction – Sexual Addiction
SYMPTOMS
Although there’s no established criteria for hypersexuality, traits that are commonly seen in a hypersexual person or sexual addict include:
You’re obsessed with sex.
You spend a lot of time fantasising about your sexual urges and engaging in sexual behaviour.
You masturbate often (once to several times daily).
You frequently view pornography. Sources include videos, adult magazines, the internet (websites, webcams).
You often masturbate while viewing pornography.
You spend an excessive amount of time planning sexual activity.
You spend a lot of time figuring out where and how you’ll get your next sexual “high.”
You frequently use sexual services. This is a step up, in that your activities now involve human interaction. Behaviours could include phone sex, connections made through internet chat rooms, paying for sexual encounters, visits to strip clubs, having multiple partners or frequent one-night stands.
Your behaviour escalates to reckless sexual activity.
You may add substance abuse to your sexual activity or add sexual aggression or dangerous sexual activity (such as autoerotic asphyxiation) to your behaviours.
You engage in sexual behaviours that go against your personal values, religious beliefs, or what society deems appropriate.
You frequently engage in paraphilia. These are sexual behaviours that involve another person’s psychological distress, injury, or death. Examples include exhibitionism (exposing genitals to strangers), voyeurism (watching or engaging in sexual activities with others), sadomasochism (sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation on others), and pedophilia (sexual feelings toward children).
You can’t stop your sexual behaviour despite negative consequences to your finances, relationships, health, or emotions.
Complications
Complications of sexual addiction include:
Lack of a normal, healthy relationship with your sexual partner and your family.
Downward work performance and career loss from an inability to focus on work or watching pornography at work.
Money problems stemming from paying for sexual activities.
Health consequences, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, or gonorrhea.
Use of recreational drugs or drinking an excessive amount of alcohol.
Development of mental health conditions, such as stress and anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
Potential jail or prison time for sexual offences.
Emotional costs including guilt, shame, and hopelessness.
What does a sexual addict think or feel about their sexual obsession?
Guilt, shame, or remorse.
Hopelessness, powerless over the addictive behavior.
Depressed, lonely.
Fearful, anxious.
Suicidal.
Unlocking a Life of Liberation: Sexual addiction can cast a shadow on your life, impacting health, relationships, career, and overall well-being. Karl, your dedicated Sex Therapist, is here to guide you through the transformative process of overcoming sexual addiction.
Understanding Sexual Addiction: Sexual addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behaviour, hyper sexuality, or sexual impulsivity, involves an uncontrollable focus on sexual fantasies, urges, or activities. When these thoughts and behaviours consume your life, seeking help becomes paramount.
Breaking the Silence, Dispelling Shame: Embarking on the path to recovery from sexual addiction often starts with confronting the pervasive feelings of shame. This silent companion thrives in secrecy, intensifying the struggle for those grappling with compulsive sexual behaviors. It’s essential to recognise that shame, while a formidable adversary, can be addressed and dismantled through compassionate support.
Guilt, Remorse, and the Path to Redemption: In the intricate tapestry of sexual addiction, individuals may find themselves entangled in a web of guilt and remorse. These emotions, though challenging, serve as catalysts for change. Acknowledging past actions, taking accountability, and seeking redemption are pivotal steps toward healing. Karl, your dedicated Sex Therapist, provides a non-judgmental space to navigate this transformative journey.
Hopelessness to Hope: The journey from hopelessness to hope is a profound transformation. Sexual addiction can induce feelings of powerlessness, creating a seemingly insurmountable barrier to change. However, with the right support and therapeutic interventions, individuals can rediscover hope. Karl’s approach combines empathy, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to fostering lasting positive change.
Fear and Anxiety: Navigating the Emotional Landscape:Fear and anxiety often accompany the realization of a sexual addiction. The fear of judgment, societal stigma, and the potential consequences of seeking help can be overwhelming. In therapy, Karl guides individuals through these emotions, creating a safe and understanding space to explore, express, and ultimately alleviate these anxieties.
From Isolation to Connection: Sexual addiction can lead to profound feelings of loneliness and isolation. Breaking free from this isolation involves building connections—connections with oneself, supportive relationships, and therapeutic alliances. Karl emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive network to counteract the isolating effects of addiction.
Cultivating Resilience: Embracing Transformation Beyond Challenges:
For some individuals, the depths of sexual addiction may lead to intense emotional struggles. Recognizing the gravity of these challenges, Karl collaborates with individuals to cultivate resilience. Through therapeutic strategies, coping mechanisms, and a commitment to ongoing support, the journey unfolds, paving the way for a life worth living.
In the realm of sexual addiction, Karl at Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd provides a safe haven for healing. Your journey from moments of adversity to resilience is met with understanding, empathy, and a resolute dedication to your well-being. Take the courageous step toward a future free from the shackles of addiction.