Phoenix / Online
Sexual Addiction
What is sexual addiction?
Sexual addiction has been a term used to describe sexual behavior that is out of control, to the point that it affects a person's ability to function in other areas of their life. More and more counselors today prefer the terms hypersexuality, sexual compulsivity, or out-of-control sexual behavior. It can come in many forms and may include the compulsive use of pornography and masturbation to the point that it interferes with other parts of one's life, risky sex acts with other people, and/or engagement in sexual activity that is illegal.
Often, a fixation on sex comes from a desire to escape or numb underlying emotional pain. The problem with using sex in this manner is that it can prevent a person from being able to find true intimacy with another person. For people of faith, this behavior can clash with their personal values and may cause a fracture in their marriage or relationship.
How do you overcome sexual addiction?
Recovery from out-of-control sexual behavior is a journey and a process. Many people find strength in surrendering their struggle to God and finding support from others. This can include participation in a support group and/or help from a counselor. If you are struggling with this, counseling can help you identify triggers, get to the source of your emotional pain, relearn what it means to be sexual in an ethical way, and find healing so you can discover true intimacy—as well as live a life in accordance with your values and where you sense God's calling in your life.
Sexual addiction has been a term used to describe sexual behavior that is out of control, to the point that it affects a person's ability to function in other areas of their life. More and more counselors today prefer the terms hypersexuality, sexual compulsivity, or out-of-control sexual behavior. It can come in many forms and may include the compulsive use of pornography and masturbation to the point that it interferes with other parts of one's life, risky sex acts with other people, and/or engagement in sexual activity that is illegal.
Often, a fixation on sex comes from a desire to escape or numb underlying emotional pain. The problem with using sex in this manner is that it can prevent a person from being able to find true intimacy with another person. For people of faith, this behavior can clash with their personal values and may cause a fracture in their marriage or relationship.
How do you overcome sexual addiction?
Recovery from out-of-control sexual behavior is a journey and a process. Many people find strength in surrendering their struggle to God and finding support from others. This can include participation in a support group and/or help from a counselor. If you are struggling with this, counseling can help you identify triggers, get to the source of your emotional pain, relearn what it means to be sexual in an ethical way, and find healing so you can discover true intimacy—as well as live a life in accordance with your values and where you sense God's calling in your life.
