Sexual behaviours that have become compulsive, that is, the loss of the ability to choose whether or not to stop or continue can be described as addictive.  Often such behaviours have adverse consequences, arrests, divorce, loss of health, wealth, job, freedom etc.  When sexual behaviour is compulsive and still continues to be acted out, despite adverse consequences, it is called sex addiction

It is evident from research that around 80% of people who are sex addicts have other addictions, including chemical dependency, eating disorders, compulsive working, compulsive spending and gambling.

Dr Patrick Carnes is an authority on addiction and, together with Dr Kenneth Adams have many years experience in helping people with sex addiction to recover, as well as providing excellent training and guidance for therapists wishing to work with people who wish to cease acting compulsively in an addictive way.

In their book “Clinical Management of Sex Addiction” they state:

• Sex addicts typically inherit a genetic structure that disposes them to addictions in general…..
• Many sex addicts come from families in which there are already addictions of all varieties. Parents, siblings and extended family often will have addictive or compulsive disorders or both
• There is a history of failure to sustain intimacy in relationships. This represents a fundamental failure to trust others enough to bond with them.  Addiction is often described as an intimacy disorder
• Sex addicts also come from families that are rigid and authoritarian….
• Excesses in religiosity or extreme sexual negativity, or both, most likely will intensify sexual curiosity and obsession.
• Childhood abuse is a factor for many, leading to extreme reactivity.
• Significant losses, such as those brought about by a parent’s death during childhood or mental or physical illness in the family, can contribute to the problem.
• Evidence may exist of an overly enmeshed relationship with a primary caregiver….
• Other contributing factors may include being exposed to sexually explicit information, such as stories with sexual content, pornography, or sexual acts as a child or parents or adults frequently walking around the house in the nude.

In the bibliotherapy I include reading material to help understanding.

In October, 2009 I completed the first module of training to become a Certified Sex Addition Therapist (CSAT) This intensive residential training is led by Patrick Carnes and  Kenneth Adams from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) (USA). I use the Recovery Kit and assessment tools provided by Patrick Carnes. I already have experience of working with sex addicts. If you have a problem with sex addiction I will discuss your situation and if appropriate I will work with you to aid your recovery.  If you are interested in being part of a recovery group please contact me to discuss this further.