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| Addicted or Not? |  The phrase 'sex addiction' was first coined in the USA in the early 1970s. High profile cases such as those of actors Rob Lowe and Michael Douglas have helped raise awareness about the problem of sex addiction.
Like any other addiction, it requires treatment and counselling but a key issue for healthcare professionals is qualifying who or what is a sex addict.
Sex addiction 'ticks all the right boxes' when it comes to defining an addict. A sex addict will take more and more risks to get their fix. In the case of the sex addict, this could involve downloading pornography at work or having sex in public places. Sex addicts become preoccupied by sex, despite a desire to stop and despite negative effects on their health, relationships and work.
Theories on the causes of sex addiction are still in their infancy, although American sex therapist Dr Doug Weiss believes that 80 per cent of sex addicts were abused when they were younger. Previous emotional neglect is often seen as a key factor and as a result sexual behaviour becomes a primary way of coping. Some sex addicts may also have had alcohol or drug related problems.
If you think you're a sex addict
If you've recognised any strange changes in your sexual behaviour, the most important step you can take is to assume that you may be sexual addicted. Sex addiction is a real problem so you will not go away by itself. You must take personal responsibility for your recovery.
It is rather difficult to change their behaviour for most addicts. The cycle of sex addiction is too strong but you need to try to minimise the addicted behaviour for a while. A professional therapist can help you to understand what's happening and encourage you to take steps to change to a healthy sexual lifestyle.
If your partner is a sex addict
If you think that your partner is a sex addict try to change their behaviour. Ultimately, though, no one can recover from an addiction until they recognize that they have a problem and want to change.
If your partner is sex addicted you may feel confusedl. However, there is a help available for you too. There are a growing number of support groups as well as individual therapy.
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