The consequences of sex addiction are wide-reaching. Sexually
compulsive behavior affects the addict and all aspects of his or her
life, including family and close friends. Depression and in some cases
suicidal thoughts, as well as chronic low self-esteem, are common among
sex addicts. They also experience moral and spiritual conflict due to
the contradiction between their values and beliefs and the sexually
compulsive behaviors. As addicts isolate themselves, they experience
loneliness, shame, self-hatred, hopelessness and despair. As a way of
coping with these emotions, many addicts turn to other addictive
behaviors, such as gambling, drug or alcohol use, or they increase their
destructive sexual behaviors.
According to research, 70 to 75 percent of sex addicts have had suicidal thoughts as a result of their sexually compulsive behavior. It puts a strain on relationships causing further problems in other areas of the addict's life. For example, 40 percent of addicts say they have serious relationship problems with their partners and others. Sexually compulsive behavior causes both the addict and his or her partner to experience a loss of self-esteem and a wide range of emotions ranging from stress to anger and frustration. Sex addicts become physically and/or emotionally absent from parental, familial, and personal relationships. This places additional pressure on the partner to pick up the extra responsibility. As a result, partners sometimes develop their own addictions to cope with the sense of loss and increased responsibility. Some of these include a compulsion to eating, shopping, alcohol or drugs. They experience great emotional strife as a result of their partner's addiction.
In addition to emotional duress, there are a number of health concerns for sex addicts and their partners. These consequences can be severe and lasting. The risk of contracting serious sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is high in people with this addiction, whose compulsions include physical sexual activity outside of their committed relationships. In these cases, both the addict and his or her partner will be at risk. In addition to the risk of contracting STDs, sex addicts can be at risk of injuring their genitals from sadomasochistic or other high-risk sexual behaviors. Injury can also result from sex addicts who are distracted by sexual thoughts while performing activities requiring attention, such as driving an automobile or operating machinery.
This addiction also comes with other serious consequences including legal and financial problems. Sexually compulsive behavior leads sex addicts to neglect their jobs which can result in job loss. Plus many sexually compulsive behaviors can be costly. The combination of job loss and compulsive spending on sexual activities can lead to serious financial problems. Legal problems can arise when addicts engage in illegal sexual activity such as prostitution, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or engaging in sexual activities with minors. The bottom line is that 60 percent of addicts face financial difficulties, 58 percent engage in illegal activities and 83 percent have other addictions such as alcohol, drug, gambling or eating.
Ultimately, there are serious consequences caused by this addiction. Therefore, it is important for individuals with, or affected by this addiction, such as family members and close friends, to seek help. The behaviors of sex addicts only escalate as time goes on. A seemingly innocent addiction to pornography can escalate quickly into other more serious, risky, harmful and potentially illegal activities. If left uncared for, this issue can have a damaging lifelong impact on everyone involved.
According to research, 70 to 75 percent of sex addicts have had suicidal thoughts as a result of their sexually compulsive behavior. It puts a strain on relationships causing further problems in other areas of the addict's life. For example, 40 percent of addicts say they have serious relationship problems with their partners and others. Sexually compulsive behavior causes both the addict and his or her partner to experience a loss of self-esteem and a wide range of emotions ranging from stress to anger and frustration. Sex addicts become physically and/or emotionally absent from parental, familial, and personal relationships. This places additional pressure on the partner to pick up the extra responsibility. As a result, partners sometimes develop their own addictions to cope with the sense of loss and increased responsibility. Some of these include a compulsion to eating, shopping, alcohol or drugs. They experience great emotional strife as a result of their partner's addiction.
In addition to emotional duress, there are a number of health concerns for sex addicts and their partners. These consequences can be severe and lasting. The risk of contracting serious sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is high in people with this addiction, whose compulsions include physical sexual activity outside of their committed relationships. In these cases, both the addict and his or her partner will be at risk. In addition to the risk of contracting STDs, sex addicts can be at risk of injuring their genitals from sadomasochistic or other high-risk sexual behaviors. Injury can also result from sex addicts who are distracted by sexual thoughts while performing activities requiring attention, such as driving an automobile or operating machinery.
This addiction also comes with other serious consequences including legal and financial problems. Sexually compulsive behavior leads sex addicts to neglect their jobs which can result in job loss. Plus many sexually compulsive behaviors can be costly. The combination of job loss and compulsive spending on sexual activities can lead to serious financial problems. Legal problems can arise when addicts engage in illegal sexual activity such as prostitution, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or engaging in sexual activities with minors. The bottom line is that 60 percent of addicts face financial difficulties, 58 percent engage in illegal activities and 83 percent have other addictions such as alcohol, drug, gambling or eating.
Ultimately, there are serious consequences caused by this addiction. Therefore, it is important for individuals with, or affected by this addiction, such as family members and close friends, to seek help. The behaviors of sex addicts only escalate as time goes on. A seemingly innocent addiction to pornography can escalate quickly into other more serious, risky, harmful and potentially illegal activities. If left uncared for, this issue can have a damaging lifelong impact on everyone involved.
No comments:
Post a Comment