Is Sex Addiction Really a Thing?

In short, Yes it is. The term "Sex Addiction" is a term to describe a broad spectrum of out-of-control behaviors. From problematic porn use, strip clubs, use of escorts, anonymous hookups or serial infidelity, sex addiction is a real and neurobiologically based condition that shatters marriages, self esteem and causes suffering in the lives of millions of men and women. 

Sex addiction treatment is not a puritanical, harsh and restrictive point of view that seeks to take all the fun out of life. The goal of sex addiction treatment is the development and education of healthy, relational, mutually rewarding hot sex! 

Sex Addiction treatment at Tacoma Recovery Counseling is NOT anti-homosexual, anti-polyamorous, anti-transgender and does not reflect or condone many of the opposing and condemning viewpoints a rigid and narrowly understood definition of human sexuality attempts to propagate. Sexuality is a wondrously diverse and precious aspect of who we are as people!

 Sexual addiction is sometimes accompanied by other addictions, both chemical and behavioral.

Some out of control, repetitive behaviors, which may reflect sexual addiction include:

• Compulsive use of online porn, with frequent unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back.
• High and frequent use of escorts or sex workers.
• Crossing professional boundaries with sexual behavior.
• A sexual "Double Life" based on secrets.
• Frequent use of strip clubs or sensual massage parlors.

Please do not misunderstand this. Not everyone who engages in the above behaviors is a sex addict. Not by any means. Sexual addiction is defined as persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behaviors acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self or others.

Diagnosing sexual addiction is not always a simple task. Initially what looks like sex addiction may be something else, perhaps drug use, mental illness or emotional distress. Correctly determining if sexual addiction is present requires the support and guidance of a sex addiction therapist.

However, if you are curious, please follow this link to take the Sex Addiction Screening Tool, a free confidential assessment. Again, a simple 20 Question test will not determine for sure if you are an addict, but it will provide some helpful information.

 If you are seeking to determine if sex addiction is impacting your life, as a spouse or partner or if you are struggling with out of control behavior, we can help.

     For most of us, when we began to use alcohol and drugs, we probably started as a way to help us take the edge off, or to relax after a stressful day or maybe to feel more at ease around people. A cold beer, maybe some single malt scotch or even smoking a bowl, helped ease us into the evening. I seriously doubt that we did not begin using with the intention of becoming dependent on anything. Who among thought to ourselves, "I think some addiction will make my life better!"

     But overtime, we came to experience that the drinking, weed or pills became a little too important to us. Perhaps our family or friends made some hurtful comments about our substance use, or maybe we got a DUI, lost some people we loved or other painful consequences. Regardless of the consequences, you are visiting this website for a reason, maybe your drinking or using habits or the drug use of someone else  are causing some concern or problems in your life.

     Tacoma Recovery Counseling can support you in any stage of your recovery process. Perhaps you are simply curious if there really is a problem, or maybe you know you need help and are looking to see what is available.

     Below are the 20 Questions of AA. These questions are not diagnostic, but an indicator as to whether drinking or drug use is a problem. You can easily replace the word "drinking" with "smoking weed" or "taking drugs" to fit your particular using pattern. Again, this is not diagnostic, because deciding if you are alcoholic or addicted is an immensely personal decision, and only you can make that decision for yourself. A counselor can only give you their opinion and feedback based on your behavior and using patterns.

The Classic 20 Questions Test of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Take this 20 question test to help you decide whether or not you are an alcoholic. Then, you can decide if you need help or not.

There is a saying among Twelve Step folks; “If you are curious whether or not you have a problem with drinking, you probably do.”

Take this 20 question test to help you determine whether or not you have a problematic relationship with alcohol. These questions can also be used for other drugs or any other substance.

• 1. Do you lose time from work due to drinking?
• 2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
• 3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
• 4. Is your drinking affecting your reputation?
• 5. Have you ever felt guilt or remorse after drinking?
• 6. Have you ever got into financial difficulties as a result of drinking?
• 7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?
• 8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family’s welfare?
• 9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?
• 10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time?
• 11. Do you want a drink the next morning?
• 12. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
• 13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?
• 14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?
• 15. Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?
• 16. Do you drink alone?
• 17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
• 18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?
• 19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
• 20. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution because of drinking?

If you have answered YES to any one of the questions, there is a definite warning that you may be an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to any two, the chances are pretty high that you are an alcoholic.

If you answered YES to three or more, your drinking behavior matches that of most alcoholics, and you most likely are an alcoholic.

Keep in mind, determining if addiction is present may take some time.

 Give us a call if you have questions

(206)679-8722