Sex Addiction Issues

A wide range of disorders that share a common theme

What are Sex Addiction Issues?

Sexual addiction isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a very personal struggle that can manifest itself in a number of ways. Some struggling with sexual addiction seek refuge in multiple sexual encounters or obsessive relationships. Others experience compulsions from pornography and internet sex to masturbation.

 

Every relationship has times when sexual needs are not matched. But addiction to pursuing multiple relationships, anonymous encounters, soliciting prostitutes, or turning to online interactions can turn sex into something that is empty, joyless, demoralizing, and robs the patient of the ability to experience real intimacy in his relationships.

Addressing These Complex Disorders

Sex addiction is real and can be defined as “a pathological relationship with a mood-altering experience.” Statistics show that 17 to 37 million people suffer from sex addiction. Compulsive sexual behavior, or sexual addiction, can have significant effects on someone’s mental and physical health.

Sexual addiction has also been called sexual dependency or sexual compulsivity. By any name it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addicted person’s life. Simply put, sexual addicts make sex a priority more important than family, friends, and work. Sex becomes the organizing principle of their life, and they are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior. Men with sexual addiction may experience patterns of out-of-control sexual behavior.

Examples of sexual addiction issues include:

  • Compulsive masturbation
  • Indulging in pornography
  • Having chronic affairs
  • Dangerous sexual practices
  • Prostitution
  • Anonymous sex
  • Compulsive sexual episodes

There is no single number of partners or sex acts that make someone a sexual addict. Instead, sex is the food or drug in other addictions that provides the “high” needed to feel normal. Temporary pleasure and unhealthy relationships become more important than forming healthy, intimate relationships.

The Connection Between Trauma and Intimacy Disorders - Gentle Path at The Meadows

Sexually Based Issues We Treat

At Gentle Path at The Meadows, we understand the complex nature of male sexual addiction and address a wide range of sexually based issues.

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Debunking Sex Addiction Myths

By Anna McKenzie Sex addiction is a psychological condition in which an individual suffers from compulsive desires to perform sexual acts. Because this condition is tightly connected to a lack of control or a need for […]

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Recovery Replay podcast

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Hear From a Gentle Path Alum on Recovery Replay

In this episode, we follow the life of Gentle Path Alum Scott Plumb and explore his family dynamics. He shares the impact that alcoholism and childhood trauma had on his life and how that experience manifested in anxiety and trauma, influencing Scott’s coping mechanisms throughout college and his adult life. Also, MBH clinician Scott Davis helps us explore the significance of addressing these underlying issues in the healing process.

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Change Your Story

At Gentle Path, our sole purpose is to help men understand that long-lasting recovery from their sexual addictions is possible. This safe, nurturing community is composed of peers where your journey of recovery will include not just dealing with outward behaviors but examining the underlying causes. The goal is to gain the courage to face difficult issues (including grief and loss), heal from emotional trauma, and become accountable for your feelings, behaviors, and recovery.

 

Taking that first step is hard, but there’s a new life of health and hope just waiting for you. The next chapter of your life can begin now, but only you can change your story.

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