Does sex addiction really exist? Some might say yes and others may say no. For those who don't believe in the existence of the addiction, claim, it's all about self-control, "sex addiction" is just when people refuse to control their desires and temptations. But isn't the idea of addiction all about "not being able" to control?
Theoretically, sexual addiction is identified with three indicators: compulsivity, continuation despite consequences, and obsession.
- Compulsivity: This is the loss of the ability to choose freely whether to stop or continue a behavior.
- Continuation despite consequences: When addicts take their addiction too far, it can cause negative effects in their lives. They may start withdrawing from family life to pursue sexual activity. This withdrawal may cause them to neglect their children or cause their partners to leave them. Addicts risk money, marriage, family and career in order to satisfy their sexual desires. Despite all of these consequences, they continue indulging in excessive sexual activity.
- Obsession: This is when people cannot help themselves from thinking a particular thought. Sex addicts spend whole days consumed by sexual thoughts. They develop elaborate fantasies, find new ways of obtaining sex and mentally revisit past experiences. Because their minds are so preoccupied by these thoughts, other areas of their lives that they could be thinking about are neglected.
