Top 5 Surprising Sex-Addiction Facts
#5: It’s Very Real, and Very Harmful
It may be tempting to laugh off this disorder, because after all… who isn’t addicted to sex? The thing is, addiction often defies logic and good judgment, and causes major harm over time. With alcohol for example, most people enjoy a few drinks at the bar, while an alcoholic treats and consumes the substance quite differently. As a result of constant and growing dependency, alcoholism can lead to financial woes, relationship troubles, and problems at school or work. Sexual addiction follows a similar pattern, and in a way, has its own form of chasing the dragon. In extreme cases, individuals may put themselves in serious harm’s way or engage in sexual acts despite obvious and immediate social consequences or health risks.
#4: Many Celebrities Have Come out as Sex Addicts
This phenomenon may prove useful in destigmatizing the disorder, as many well-known, and often well-respected celebrities have opened up about sex addiction in recent years. Comedian Russell Brand has been candid with the media about many of his personal struggles, including his choice to seek treatment for sex addiction. Actors Charlie Sheen and David Duchovny revealed to have struggled with sex addiction as well, with Duchovny entering rehab in 2008 for professional help. Perhaps most associated however is Tiger Woods, whose entire legacy, career, and love life collapsed throughout the course of a highly publicized affair he links to sex addiction.
#3: There Are Many Known Sex Addicts, But Few Statistics
With the admission of sex addiction’s legitimacy just beginning to gain mainstream acceptance, there’s a lack of concrete data detailing trends in recent years. Many are quick to cite the rise in pornography usage as evidence that sex addiction is becoming more prevalent, but this assumed correlation fails to take into account the massive increase in the availability of porn over the last decade. It will take research and time before we can accurately test the theory that sex addiction is on the rise, but we do know that sex addiction is not uncommon. The National Council on Sexual Addiction Compulsivity estimates that between 6 and 8 percent of Americans are addicted to sex, which accounts for a whopping 16 to 21.5 million individuals in the U.S. alone!
#2: Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse Often Develop Sex Addiction
Childhood sexual abuse has adverse, yet distinguishing effects on a person’s life. Two such reactions, relating to sexuality, have proven to be prominent among victims. First, turning away from sexual activity entirely and in turn, human connection. Second, attempting to normalize traumatic experience through frequent and laborious sexual activity. Doctor Patrick Carnes claims that 72% of sex addicts were physically abused, 81% were sexually abused, and 97% were emotionally abused. Another disturbing trend suggests that roughly 71% of child molesters are sex addicts. As the data suggests, this isn’t a black and white affliction, and several disorders move in tandem and affect each other.
#1: It’s Linked to Other Notable Psychological Disorders
As hinted at in past entries, sexual addiction is in fact correlated with other mental illnesses. Notably, Bipolar disorder, which is often associated with poor decision-making and impulsivity, can lead to hypersexuality. While traditional sexual addiction is relatively constant, in this case, destructive sexual impulses might skyrocket at certain times. Borderline personality disorder also has significant correlations with sexual addiction. A study published in the journal of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity found that 92% of participants with hypersexual disorders also had personality-based problems and 17% had full-on personality disorders. These connections help map out the nuances of mental health, highlighting the need to understand how different disorders all interact and affect each other, especially if we hope to provide effective treatment.
