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Why Is Living With Someone With a Sexual Addiction So Difficult?

Lauren Mauck Director | LMFT | QS | CSAT • Sep 03, 2020

What makes a sexual addiction so complicated?

Eagle’s Wings Counseling Center - Why a sexual addiction recovery is possible - Sarasota, Florida
According to the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (gq.com), sex-addiction therapists have more than doubled since 2008. Likewise, sexual addiction cases continue to rise, even though it's not an official mental health diagnosis. 

The complications are becoming more evident as more people battle this addiction. For those who live with a sexual addict, it can be emotional and mentally debilitating. 

But what makes a sexual addiction so complicated? Let's talk about what life might be like living with an addict.

Eagle’s Wings Counseling Center - How a sexual addiction recovery is possible - Sarasota, Florida

How Does a Sexual Addiction Differ From Others? 

Sexual addiction brings a particular set of challenges and trauma into the relationship. For example, the initial discovery can feel like an internal bombshell. Likewise, the shock of finding online or in-person activities can be devastating. 


Typically, you're left with many questions and no clear answers. One complex factor of sexual addiction is the shame and secrecy associated with it. There seems to be a stigma around sex addiction that differs from drug or alcohol addictions. With a need to be more secretive, the added pressure can intensify feelings in the moment. As a result, urges become more difficult to overcome. Thus, behaviors become more erratic. 


Eagle’s Wings Counseling Center - Why living with a sexual addiction can be difficult - Sarasota, Florida

Why Is It Difficult to Live With Someone Who Has a Sexual Addiction?

Living with anyone who has an addiction can be difficult. After all, addiction means you're in a constant state of chasing the next high.


When an intimate partner has skewed ideas around sex, they lose interest in intimacy. As a result, many women become viewed as objects in the relationship. Hence, women are left to choose to stay and see him through treatment or move forward without him. 


Partners of sex addicts often endure deep traumatic experiences. Often, they'll experience betrayal trauma and need support. Yet, with the negative stigma around this specific addiction, they suffer in silence. 


Those with sexual addiction tend to go to extremes to satisfy their cravings. As a result, it leads to little regard of the consequences for themselves or others.

Eagle’s Wings Counseling Center - We offer addiction recovery, therapy, and counseling services in Sarasota, Florida

What Is the Reality of Sexual Addiction?

Sexual addiction seems to have two different realities. First, the raw reality that this issue appears to be an addiction. Millions of people and families are struggling every day as sex addiction rages on. Next, the harsh reality that this addiction is not clinically recognized in the DSM. As a result, treatment options may be limited. 


Research has yet to confirm that extreme sexual behavior is a neuroscientific addiction. There are various reasons why there is not an official diagnosis. As a result, health coverage may be limited when treating this specific issue. Hence, leaving sex addicts and their partners to self-fund therapy. The good news is, many professionals offer funding options. 


Eagle's Wings Counseling Center can help you find refuge from sexual addiction. We can help you as you strive to maintain your mental health while in a supporting role. Likewise, we can help those with a sexual addiction overcome the relentless urges that have taken over their lives. Call us today. 


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