What is Sex Addiction?

Sex addiction is like any other addiction in that its associated behaviors are compulsive, escalate over time, and will ultimately impact other areas of an individual’s life.

All forms of addiction are marked by powerlessness over the addiction, loss of control, and unmanageability. For sex addicts, sexually-related compulsive behaviors hinder their ability to live normally.

There is hope in treatment and recovery is certainly possible.

There is not one behavioral pattern that defines sexual addiction; therefore, addicts may engage in any of the following behaviors:

Compulsive masturbation
Compulsive use of pornography
Compulsive relationships (affairs)
Compulsive engagement with sex workers i.e. massage parlors, escorts, and strippers
Exhibitionism
Voyeurism
Anonymous sexual encounters

Individuals who suffer from sexual addiction are often typically functioning adults, but harbor deep secrets about their behavior, which become a source of great shame and suffering. This addiction can impact the addict’s family members and other loved ones. There is a strong link between trauma and the development of sex addiction. Full Heart Recovery provides a various treatment options to assist addicts in establishing sobriety, beginning to heal, and leading fulfilling lives – free of shame and secrecy. At Full Heart Recovery, there is hope in treatment and recovery is certainly possible.