Of the many forms sex addiction can take, the most harmful both
to the addict and their victims has to be intrusive and exploitative sex
addiction. It is important to note that not all sex addiction drives
people to commit criminal acts, or that such behavior is a given part of
the progression. A person addicted to masturbation and pornography is
not predestined to escalate the behavior to groping strangers or worse.
First we should discuss the difference between intrusive and exploitative sex addiction. Each, when they rise to the level of addiction, are behaviors being used to provoke a response in the brain that triggers reward chemicals and helps the addict suppress any negative emotions. The addict cannot control their behavior, despite facing harmful consequences.
Intrusive sex generally involves groping, touching in inappropriate ways, frottage, or the invasion of personal space. It can happen in a variety of forms, ranging from subtle to overt. The physical act of touching a person in a sexual manner triggers the desired response in the brain, and as the behavior continues it can escalate in frequency and overtness.
In an early stage, the sex addict will be subtle about the touches. They can begin as non-sexual touching, perhaps on the shoulder, as a way to "test the waters," or work up the courage to go further. More intrusive touching can come in the form of "accidental" touching. For example, a sex addict may brush their hand against another's buttocks after casually arranging to bump into them.
This behavior can occur with people the addict knows, or it can happen with strangers in crowded public places. Subway cars are a common location for this, as people often find themselves standing closer to strangers than they normally would. The transitory and public nature of the environment also affords the opportunity for the groper to make a getaway, or go off completely undetected. While this does not approach a full sexual assault, victims of this behavior may not be eager to call attention to it in a crowded public place, especially if they are alone.
This behavior is, of course, illegal and in most places considered a serious sex crime. While not the most serious of sex crimes, it rises above the level of exhibitionism (flashing, exposing one's self) and voyeurism (Peeping Toms), and can get the perpetrator convicted and placed on the sex offender registry. This can have a far-reaching, long-term impact on a person's life, and unfortunately treatment for it often doesn't come through the corrections' system until after the damage is done.
Exploitative sex includes more extreme behaviors than intrusive sex. Rape and molestation fall into this category, but the real distinction involves the power dynamic between the person with this form of addiction and the victim. The abuser can occupy a position of power in the victim's life, being a boss, parent, clergy, teacher, caretaker, or abusive partner. As a sex addiction, exploitative sex is one of the most damaging to the victim, more so than to the addict whose needs are being fulfilled. Getting treatment for this addiction can be difficult, since most perpetrators who end up with the treatment get it only after the legal system has taken over.
The term sex offender is likely to be used more than addict. Not all sex offenders may have sex addiction, but because of the nature of the actions it can be a difficult line to distinguish.
First we should discuss the difference between intrusive and exploitative sex addiction. Each, when they rise to the level of addiction, are behaviors being used to provoke a response in the brain that triggers reward chemicals and helps the addict suppress any negative emotions. The addict cannot control their behavior, despite facing harmful consequences.
Intrusive sex generally involves groping, touching in inappropriate ways, frottage, or the invasion of personal space. It can happen in a variety of forms, ranging from subtle to overt. The physical act of touching a person in a sexual manner triggers the desired response in the brain, and as the behavior continues it can escalate in frequency and overtness.
In an early stage, the sex addict will be subtle about the touches. They can begin as non-sexual touching, perhaps on the shoulder, as a way to "test the waters," or work up the courage to go further. More intrusive touching can come in the form of "accidental" touching. For example, a sex addict may brush their hand against another's buttocks after casually arranging to bump into them.
This behavior can occur with people the addict knows, or it can happen with strangers in crowded public places. Subway cars are a common location for this, as people often find themselves standing closer to strangers than they normally would. The transitory and public nature of the environment also affords the opportunity for the groper to make a getaway, or go off completely undetected. While this does not approach a full sexual assault, victims of this behavior may not be eager to call attention to it in a crowded public place, especially if they are alone.
This behavior is, of course, illegal and in most places considered a serious sex crime. While not the most serious of sex crimes, it rises above the level of exhibitionism (flashing, exposing one's self) and voyeurism (Peeping Toms), and can get the perpetrator convicted and placed on the sex offender registry. This can have a far-reaching, long-term impact on a person's life, and unfortunately treatment for it often doesn't come through the corrections' system until after the damage is done.
Exploitative sex includes more extreme behaviors than intrusive sex. Rape and molestation fall into this category, but the real distinction involves the power dynamic between the person with this form of addiction and the victim. The abuser can occupy a position of power in the victim's life, being a boss, parent, clergy, teacher, caretaker, or abusive partner. As a sex addiction, exploitative sex is one of the most damaging to the victim, more so than to the addict whose needs are being fulfilled. Getting treatment for this addiction can be difficult, since most perpetrators who end up with the treatment get it only after the legal system has taken over.
The term sex offender is likely to be used more than addict. Not all sex offenders may have sex addiction, but because of the nature of the actions it can be a difficult line to distinguish.
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