Handling Sexual Addiction

Being close to a person with a sexual addiction can cause suffering of many kinds, such as anger, fear and emotional stress. Other common reactions is that the relative might try to hide what is happening to other people, but also to him/herself, in an attempt to protect him/herself from unpleasant truths that can be hard to handle.

Common reactions:

1.     Trying to repress problems
2.     Trying to gain control over the abuser
3.     Trying to protect the addicted person of the negative impacts created by his/her alcohol /drug-using

Thoughts about what will happen next may take over hand for a relative to a person with a sexual addiction. One may, for example, go through the person's pockets, bags, computer or phone. If this behavior starts to take over the relative's life or affect other parts of his/her life negatively he/she is probably on his/her way down a dark path. You may start to make an effort to maintain control so much that your own needs (dreams, visions, relationships, etc.) are pushed aside. When you're forced to lie in order to protect the addict, feelings of shame and guilt arise.

A distinction is often made based on sex addiction from other types of addiction; sex addiction may be very stigmatized and often include strong feelings of betrayal and shame. Infidelity or an extremely promiscuous behavior is often condemned by the society or relatives, and it often creates pain and chaos in relationships.
 

If you recognize your self in this text, you might feel that you need help. I strongly recommend that you look for a therapist with knowledge about addiction and sex-addiction. You could have a happier life! You are worth it!

Source: Rydberg, Kristin and Sundby, Erik, from:  Det är inte kärlek - när sex blir en drog (trans. It is not love - when sex becomes a drug (2012)