The Naked TruthSex addiction: its causes, symptoms and treatment, and why some people still don’t think it’s real
Like any form of dependency, addiction to sex is an escape mechanism, but it’s a compulsion with a stigma attached that stops people seeing it for what it is. A doctor and sex therapist offers a definition and explains how it can be treated
Addicts often feel inadequate, dissatisfied with themselves or their life, or both. That deep dissatisfaction can be crippling. Besides feeling hollow, they may also feel excluded by others.
They stumble on an experience that they believe gives them a sense of euphoria and hope, no matter how fleeting, to counter all those nasty feelings. As a result, they suddenly feel good and feel alive.
Addiction is the driver behind that false feeling.
WHO: ‘compulsive sexual behaviour’ is a mental disorder
Sex addiction, like any form of dependency, disguises itself as a saviour, an escape mechanism or the ultimate answer to the underlying problems of the addict.
Most sex addicts struggle with a double life as they try to hide their addiction. Many also find it difficult to admit there is a problem, as long as that compulsive habit makes them feel complete and normal.
Ariadna Peretz, founder of Maitre D’ate, a Hong Kong-based matchmaking agency, thinks the stigma attached to it prevents people from recognising the problem.
“I think part of the reason sex addiction is so difficult to talk about is there isn’t a widely agreed upon definition. Some people and organisations don’t even think sex addiction is a real addiction and there’s a stigma attached to it,” she says.