
The Problem
Sexual
addiction is one of the most misunderstood of all addictions. Simply stated, sexual addiction is the loss of control over
destructive sexual behavior or relationship.Perhaps the most helpful
definition is a practical one: sexual behavior that has a negative effect on
one’s life. A “sex addict” is someone who utilizes their sexual experience(s)
to alter their mood or state of mind in a way that is destructive to them and
their relationships. Most often thought of as inappropriate sexual behavior,
sexual addiction can also be present in those who have no apparent
inappropriate behavior. Even married monogamous people can be addicted sexually
if they depend on “appropriate” sex to maintain their sense of well-being.
Sexuality is an essential part of human life. But, when a person uses sexuality
as if it were a drug to medicate their mood, the healthy spectrum of the sexual
experience is eroded and it becomes destructive, and addictive. In fact, sexual
addiction is not really about sex at all, it is about intimacy. Sexual
addiction is a common result when sexuality is substituted for healthy
intimacy.
To be alive is
to be addicted, and to be alive and addicted is
to stand in need of grace.
Gerald G. May
MD, Addiction & Grace
An excerpt from When Lost Men Come Home - not for men only
copyright 2012, David Zailer
No comments:
Post a Comment