Behaviors We Treat

Compulsive Masturbation

Internet porn has been described as the “crack cocaine” of sexually addictive behaviors. Compulsive pornography use is marked by increased use of pornography, a diminished ability to resist urges to view pornography, repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop utilizing pornography, and use of pornography despite having endured negative consequences. Individuals addicted to pornography may prefer to masturbate while viewing pornography rather than engage in “real sex” which can deeply impact relationships.

Paying for Sex

Behaviors of individuals who are addicted to paying for sex include: frequenting sex workers such as escorts, prostitutes, erotic massage, erotic dancers (strippers and go-go dancers), paying for online “cam” shows and phone sex services. Persons addicted to paying for sex may seek “sugar daddy” type relationships. Paying for sex is a transactional experience absent of intimacy. Paying for sex is considered a high-risk behavior because it is illegal in most U.S. states. Sex addicts who pay for sex are often aroused by the sense of power they get from paying for the sexual act.

Anonymous Sex

Individuals addicted to anonymous sex are aroused by the lack of intimacy, lack of courting, and immediacy associated with this type of sexual behavior. Individuals seeking anonymous sex may frequent bathhouses; may “cruise” for partners in public areas such as parks, locker rooms, bars; and utilize phone apps in pursuit of one-night stands or “no strings attached” sex. Persons addicted to anonymous sex spend significant amounts of time searching for anonymous sex partners and engage in increasingly risky behaviors such as public anonymous sex and unprotected anonymous sex. Sex addicts may rationalize this behavior as having “a high sex drive” or describing their actions as part of the “social norm.” Individuals who engage in compulsive anonymous sex are typically in a dissociative state and may be highly compartmentalized in various aspects of their lives.

Voyeurism

This behavior typically involves watching individuals disrobe or engage in sexual acts without their consent. Persons engaged in voyeurism may utilize cameras with a zoom lens, binoculars or stand in public places to look into others’ homes. The viewing of pornographic videos and photos can also be described as voyeuristic. A marked escalation in this behavior may include the use of secret cameras in order to record people (who have an expectation of privacy) and/or repeatedly walking past certain areas for hours hoping to see something sexual. Persons engaged in voyeurism may masturbate during the act but orgasm is not the source of sexual satiation. Voyeurism is intrusive because it violates the boundaries of the individuals who are being observed without their consent.

Exhibitionism

Individuals who engage in exhibitionism call attention to their bodies or sexual body parts in public areas such as in front of windows, in parks, and in public bathrooms. Exhibitionists are aroused by the shock or curiosity of the person viewing them. Many exhibitionists believe that their victims are actually aroused by the exposure. Although some exhibitionist behavior can be arranged between consenting adults, problematic and compulsive exhibitionism is an intrusive act that violates boundaries. Compulsive exhibitionism can escalate to serious criminal offenses such as “flashing” children and public masturbation.

Chronic Affairs

This behavior can consist of multiple long-term and/or short-term affairs, or serial affairs. Individuals who engage in chronic affairs are aroused by the excitement and intensity associated with the early courting, secrecy, fantasy, and sex. The affair addict (sometimes referred to as a “love addict”) confuses sex and lust with love. They may consider themselves more sensual than other people or more sexually expressive. These individuals fear true intimacy and may share vulnerable emotions with their affair partners because they feel safer with a person who mostly knows them within the context of a secret and physical relationship.

Sexual Anorexia

This behavior can be described as the withholding of sexuality from one’s self and their sexual partners. Sexual anorexics are averse to engaging in or initiating sex. Individuals who are addicted to sex may also go through periods of sexual anorexia similar to the binge (excessive sexual acting out) and purge cycles (withholding sex) manifested in some eating disorders. Sexual anorexics fear the intimacy experienced during sex.