Sexual Addiction Research Paper

Not many people believe that sexual addiction, hypersexuality, or sex compulsion is “real” or rather, a disorder. While some believe that it is a behavior addiction, others believe that this is a fake addiction that justifies the behavior of having intercourse with an abundant of individuals. This calls into question as to whether or not there is an explanation to this addiction or is it an excuse? Sexual addiction sparks controversy among therapist. Although it is not listed in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it is a real psychological intimacy disorder that many individuals are affected by. These individuals that suffer from sexual addiction possess compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Similar to other addictions,

many people are impacted negatively- from their family to friends and even on themselves. Sexual addiction can be classified as a behavioral addiction and it deserves to be recognized as one.
Real or Unnatural?
The concept of sexual addiction is challenged by the religious and cultural norms of our society and therefore, making it difficult to clinically diagnose sexual addiction.

According to the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is the pathological pursuit of “reward and/or relief by substance abuse or other behaviors” (2011). Many of whom suffer from sex addiction act out (sexually) in which they cannot control. They abuse this sexual compulsion to relieve that certain itch, similar to alcohol- to cope, to lower anxiety and inhibitions. However, the Diagnostic of Statistical Manual (DSM-V) does not include a category of diagnosis for sexual addiction because they believe this behavior does not exist. Seems rather political than medical. Studies and research on sexual addiction is relatively weak. There is no prevalent surveys of sex addiction (all while using validated addiction criteria) or research study on those who show up for treatment. Perhaps, many people are afraid to come forward to this addiction because it is shunned by society- some may be religious and do not want to be looked down upon, others may be embarrassed. The discussion of sex, pornography, masturbation, etc. is rarely spoken about ‘out loud’ because many people feel uncomfortable and are sensitive to this information. In order to be classified as a disorder, the DSM-V includes guidelines as to how it could be (APA

2013):
(i) defining features of sex addiction have been identified
(ii) reliability and validity of specific sex addiction criteria have been obtained cross-culturally
(iii) prevalence rates of sex addiction have been determined in representative epidemiological samples across the world
(iv) the etiology and associated biological features of sex addiction have been evaluated.
We need to recognize that sexual addiction goes way beyond the act of sex. It is not just an excuse to justify infidelity or being unfaithful to your partner- it is more than that. There are several denial mechanisms and shame (remaining abstinence) that is put upon this addiction. We need to research and get strong empirical evidence on this addiction and need people to come forth and get treatment in order for this addiction to be classified.